BLACK WIDOW IV

Still, this fourth piece almost never saw the light (which would have been a real pity IMO). Due to lack of commercial success, the tapes remained unreleased during a period of no less than twenty-five years!

This is by far their proggiest effort. Almost symphonic at times: especially in the very good opener Sleighride. It is a jewel of a song based on a classical theme. Flutes, organ and sweet vocals really made this song a particular one. We are far from their debut album but since the band was capable of changing from genre without losing in quality, who can blame them?

The change is even more drastic when you listen to the pastoral More Then a Day. Some very light song at the opposite of their heavier image. This approach is confirmed during the next You're So Wrong although the chorus is backed up with fine organ work. The flute is so sweet and the band is hardly recognizable.

The psychedelic mood is also very present on this record (remember, we were in 1972). The Waves is another track which features this mood. Very much Floydian I must say. The organ work is again excellent and the flute is not shy of. This album is a very good one so far.

One of the best song from this album is the delicate Part Of A New Day. A mix between the early Genesis and a more mature Tull. Vocal harmonies are excessively well crafted and convey some folkish mood to it, even some Beach Boys sound! It is a very elegant track, a marvellous delicacy. Totally unexpected from a band categorized to be on the heavy side of the music (and who was not too much so really).

They got back to their first source of inspiration during Floating which is more in the heavy vein of their debut. It sounds pretty much psychedelic as well but it isn't the first track like this.

The last couple of songs are not so interesting but overall, it is a very pleasant album to discover. Seven out of ten.

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