DE HOMINE URBANO + GREEN MAN

I've said a fair bit about Ache's first and second albums in their own respective reviews, and I've recommended both, albeit for different reasons. Whereas De Homine Urbano was an enticing debut with an intriguing 'rock ballet' angle to it, Green Man succeeded as a more conventional effort. Stylistically, the two albums feel quite different from one another; it's surprising really, considering the two albums both came out in 1970. The particular details of each album may be left to their respective reviews; looking at the two together, we get a taste of one of the many early 70's progressive acts that could have 'made it', but didn't. The quality is certainly here, but especially with the streamlined style on Green Man, I've left feeling like the band's potential wasn't exploited well enough.

De Homine Urbano bit off more than it could chew to be certain, but those weaknesses could have been worked on, bringing the organ-dense brand of symphonic rock to uncertain heights. The nineteen minute title track of that album in particular sounded mysterious and pleasantly dark, and even if the album's second half wasn't as sound, it still stands as one of the first progressive rock compositions to hint at what the style was capable of. Before the end of the year was through however, Green Man was released and presented an Ache that had succumbed to the trends of the time- pop melodies, a psychedelic tinge and blues-influenced riffs were their new staples. Even then, Green Man was a more solidly presented album, but it never did anything with the potential I heard on the debut.

Both albums are worthy pieces of early progressive rock, but neither are excellent and both face a share of issues. Put together, their respective qualities would have probably ended up making a great album. I suppose the closest we're going to get to that is this compilation.

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