FUTURE LEGENDS

Fruup are one of those short lived British bands from the 70's who made good but unexceptional music. There is little about their output as a whole to distinguish them from the pack, as they seem to drift along without any real excitement. "Future legends" (a rather overly optimistic title as it turned out!), is probably the best of their four releases, as it sees the band at their most eager to make an impression.

Hailing from Northern Ireland, Fruupp certainly ventured deeply into prog territories, the early Genesis influence being particularly noticeable at times. The band were not afraid to wear such influences on their sleeves, and listening to the album the sounds of bands such as Yes, Gentle Giant, and a number of others can often be picked out. The timing of their arrival in London was fortunate as it coincided with Pye Records decision to venture into the serious rock music which was rapidly gaining popularity. Thus Fruupp were signed to the fledgling Pye subsidiary label Dawn, recording four albums for them.

The album sets out boldly with the brief symphonic title track introducing "Decision", one of the best things the band recorded. The song has a dynamic and energy which is generally missing from their later albums. It is though tracks such as "Graveyard epistle" which are more representative of their work. This track has many of the right ingredients, including constantly changing time signatures and good instrumental work, but it rather drifts along, never really capturing the imagination.

On "Lord of the Incubus", we move to the Wishbone Ash end of the spectrum for a spirited run through a blues rock number. Even here, the band suddenly introduce a completely different style mid-way through the song. The following "Olde tyme future" has a Camel like feel, especially that band's "Snowgoose" period.

The longest track on the album "Song for a thought" effectively closes the album. This opens with a very Genesis ("Nursery Cryme") like instrumental burst before settling back into a reflective vocal passage with distinct Wishbone Ash overtones.

Overall, this is certainly an enjoyable album, which demands appreciation, if only for the absolute commitment to symphonic prog it contains. Musically, it finds the band at their most innovative and indeed best. While perhaps not qualifying for the accolade lost gem, "Future legends" is well worth investigation by fans of symphonic and melodic prog.

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