GOING FOR A SONG

I suppose it is some sort of achievement, the rapid decline of Culpeper's Orchard. Rarely has a band gone through such a development and I would say that no band ever has survuved such a decline. Going from the ever so brilliant debut, to the "alrighty then" second and ending with this. It is depressing.

On "Second light" they emphasized their country-folk leanings, leaving some of the progressive elements behind. On "Going for a song" they left everything but their country-rock side. What is left is a collection of lacklustre songs recalling The Band and others of that pedigree. Now, there is nothing wrong with The Band and there is nothing wrong with country. It could be argued, even, that there is nothing wrong leaving the progressive train and embarking on a tram, or whatever. The real problem lies in the substandard songs and the lack excitement. This is really not exciting music.

All in all, this is not terrible but not very good music either. It is definately not prog and I think that the lack of success and change in direction lead to the band's demise. Pity, considering the excellence of their debut and the promise of the second.