FUTURE LEGENDS

Future Legends is the first Fruupp album , and is one of those records that any fan of symphonic prog should have! The Northern Irish band made four albums in the early 70's, recorded in the pauses of their almost incessant live activity, and this is without doubt the best. The only discordant note is the production of the records, and in particular the decision to use a string section on a few tracks (Decision, Song For A Thought), which, instead of embellishing the sound, weight and convoluted the songs. I try to analyze the single tracks:

Future Legends: A short but beautiful instrumental introduction played with a string section in the background (the only time when the string arrangement is effective). Very relaxing, could be the soundtrack of a fairy tale. Rating: 7/10

Decision: The first song which shows clearly the band's style, with dramatic instrumental crescendo of piano and guitar especially with McCusker protagonist in the instrumental sections. Too bad for the redundant strings. Farrelly sings very, very well. Rating: 6/10

As Day Breaks With Dawn: We come now to the first masterpiece. The dynamics of the song are specially designed to enchant the listener: there is a continuous alternation between melodic and delicate moments and some aggressive parts. An extraordinary interlude with the oboe refine the song. Rating: 9/10

Graveyard Epistle: You can almost be considered the continuation of the previous song, because it sounds more or less the same way. The central part is masterful: first an exotic melody played always with the oboe and then an extraordinary crescendo of instruments, with rhythmic variations and intricate guitar and keyboard passages (in my opinion one of the highlights not only of the album, but of all the UK prog). The best track of the album. Rating: 10/10

Lord Of The Incubus: The third masterpiece comes after. Again are the instrumental parts to make a difference, with the beautiful piano interlude by Houston and the constant rhythmic variations of the middle section. Rating: 9/10

Olde Tyme Future: a song more relaxing, in a style quite similar to that of Camel, which lack the usual instrumental crescendo of the previous tracks, and with more attention to the melody. Excellent, as always, the interpretation of the song by Farrelly. It is a song indicative of what will be the band's style in the future, especially from the third album. Rating: 6/10

Song For A Thought: An aggressive initial McCusker riff opens the song that goes with delicate vocals. Splendid crescendo, typical of the band, to follow. Too bad for the symphonic arrangement that weighs down the song. However, a very good one. Rating: 8/10

Future Legends: Conclusion choir. The theme is the same as the prologue. Rating: 7/10.

So, a fantastic work with great atmosphere of romance and fairy tales, that alternate with harder instrumental riffs and crescendo by McCusker, Houston and Farrelly (what a beautiful voice he has!). If you love Genesis's Trespass and Nursery Cryme, I think you'll enjoy this one. The final rating? 8/10. Cheerio.

Best song: Graveyard Epistle

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