WATERS OF CHANGE

"Waters Of Change" is the second full-length studio album by Scottish, Glasgow based progressive rock act Beggars Opera. The album was released through Vertigo Records in October 1971. It´s the successor to "Act One" from November 1970. There have been two lineup changes since the last album as bassist Marshall Erskine (although he still contributes some bass parts and the flute on "Festival") has been replaced by Gordon Sellar and Virginia Scott (mellotron, backing vocals) have been added as a sixth member.

Stylistically Beggars Opera contine the hard rock and organ driven progressive rock sound they initiated on their debut album. It´s a relatively eclectic style of music and the band make sure to throw in a few curveballs here and there to keep things interesting throughout. Beggars Opera are obviously both skilled composers and performers and "Waters Of Change" is a real joy listening to in terms of those parameters. Alan Park´s organ playing is an omnipresent part of the band´s music but lead vocalist Martin Griffiths also stands strong in the soundscape when he sings his parts. A skilled vocalist with a strong voice. The addition of Scott has made it possible for Beggars Opera to incorporate mellotron parts in their music, but I wouldn´t say it´s become a dominant part of the band´s sound...that prize still goes to the organ.

"Waters Of Change" opens with the slow- to mid-paced "Time Machine". It´s a both heavy and epic track, which somewhat reminds me of Uriah Heep. Uriah Heep, Deep Purple, and to a lesser degree The Nice are all valid references, but it´s predominantly the former I´m reminded of. For all the hard rocking and bombastic organ driven parts, "Waters Of Change" is actually a relatively dynamic release, which also features quite a few mellow parts, and even a folk influenced track in "Festival". The above mentioned "Time Machine" is definitely one of the highlights of the album, but the beautiful and mysterious "Silver Peacock" deserves a mention too as a standout track.

"Waters Of Change" features a powerful, organic, and detailed sound production, and it´s perfect production values for the material, which really shines in this environment. So upon conclusion "Waters Of Change" is a good quality sophomore studio album from Beggars Opera. It´s slightly more coherent and controlled compared to the wild and restless debut album, but it also features songs which are more memorable and simply better composed. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.