TASAVALLAN PRESIDENTTI II

Tasavallan Presidentti from Finland recorded a progressive rock must-have called 'Lambertland' (with a slightly different line-up), but not before releasing this charmer of an album in 1971 (only in their neighboring country of Sweden) . The band sounds surprisingly English and lead-singer Frank Robson actually grew up in England and is therefor a native speaker. This is type of progressive rock that has a blues rock basis enhanced with prog, jazz- rock and folkrock. The sound of Tasavallan Presidentti could be compared to bands like Colosseum (use of saxophone), Patto (jazz-rock guitar by Tolonen), Spooky Tooth (songwriting), early Focus, Edgar Broughton Band (vocal expression) and Procol Harum (mainly the vocals). This is just one of those albums that hits the right vibe, full of enthusiasm and pleasant songy' rock melodies. The sound of the productions is quite good and my only complaint is that the vocals of Frank Robson - though often very charming and inciting - do have their false notes here and there. This is most problematic on the song 'I'm Going Home Again'. The guitars of Jukka Tolonen are among the best of early seventies rock. Still a very pleasant little album from the golden age of rock deserving a small four star rating. Currently available on vinyl on the Svart label.