CRESSIDA

Well, I tried. A cardinal rule when listening to any progressive rock album is to attend to it closely and to hear it repeatedly. Only then will its true worth become evident. Any one-off and superficial listening so often ends in disappointment. I had high hopes for Cressida's eponymous album - it is one of those lesser known works from the 'Golden Age' of progressive rock which aficionados like to reference to show their knowledge beyond the obvious 'greats' of the period. Often, such albums compare with the best and demonstrate the vitality and depth of the genre. I thought this album would be amongst them but, alas, I don't think it is. It isn't terrible by any means - some of the Hammond organ work is subtle and resonant and a few of the songs are pleasant. But, despite attempting to listen to it carefully my mind kept drifting onto other things and I found myself paying more attention to a book, magazine or whatever. I think the problem is a lack of dynamics. Nothing really stands out apart, perhaps, from the final track that does attempt some grandeur to climax the album. I believe the second album is more convincing, but, as yet, I have not heard it so cannot comment. So my conclusion:.....it's ok, but nothing special.