EELA CRAIG

Austria is a country known for a bunch of things, ike the beautiful cities,the kings and queens,the amazing rivers,the unbelievable nature but surely not for its strong progressive rock scene.From the few bands I'm aware of,EELA CRAIG might the most well known of all.This austrian act showed the progressive world a double face as they started as a clear jazz/psych prog outfit but transformed to a space/symphonic rock band in the years to come...In both occasions the band can't be considered nothing less than talented...

EELA CRAIG made their debut in early 70's with their eponymous album and an evident jazz rock style influenced also by the blues and psychedelia.The opening track ''New born child'' spins off with some atmospheric organ and the dramatic cries of the vocalist and by the middle of the track the guitars take over until the end with some jazzy solos...''Selfmade trip'' (what a name for a track) shows clearly the blues influences of the band,as the track unfolds the flute dominates until the end where the guitars return and in the final minute the sound of the guitars and drums gets distorted...On ''A new way'' the band follows again the previous succesful bluesy/flute space/bluesy combination with a style very close to BURNIN' RED IVANHOE...''Indra Elegy'' is the most experimenting and multi-formed track of the album with some influences by KING CRIMSON...It opens with a very atmospheric piano/flute combination,then the organ and heavy guitars take over until the break of blues/jazz strikes again...The track ends exactly how it started,with the beautiful piano/flute interplay...

The CD version contains also 4 bonus tracks which are a very good example how experimental this band was while transforming to a symphonic one during the 5-years period between the first and the second album...''Irminsul'' is a psychedelic instrumental piece of...hmmm...sounds I would say (and not music) which contains electronic effects and percussion exclusively...The experimental/electronic face of the band continues on ''Yggdrasil'' which also contains smooth guitar work and some bass and drum playing...In ''Stories'' the symphonic transformation of EELA CRAIG is completed.You won't believe your ears that this is the same band that played in the original album.Very romantic organ playing,mellow guitar work,smooth vocals,an excellent track in the vein of first period GENESIS.''Cheese'' is another symphonic piece of music but this time the sound is more intense,very close to YES,with Jon Anderson style in singing and guitar play with Steve Howe influences!

EELA CRAIG were one of the most experimental and daring bands in prog rock.Although I prefer their more symphonic version,I really like their debut very much and I recommended to all fans of jazz/psychedelic/King Crimson-esque progressive rock...3.5 stars...