FIRST LOSS

MURPHY BLEND from Germany released just one album back in 1971 on the Kuckuck label.This is very much an organ driven album with English vocals that are in the style of Jim Morrison but not as deep or as good. The bass player would join BLACKWATER PARK after this band broke up.

"At First" opens with organ but it kicks in to a full sound quickly.This is uptempo as well. Vocals 1 1/2 minutes in as it settles down. Guitar before 2 1/2 minutes then the organ is back leading. "Speed Is Coming Back" sounds great early on with the organ and guitar. Vocals after 1 1/2 minutes. A guitar solo comes in before 3 minutes then the organ leads a minute later and the vocals return. "Past Has Gone" opens with organ and the vocals don't come in until after 2 minutes. Some heavy organ in this one.The bass, organ and drums build after 6 1/2 minutes and the guitar joins in too. Nice.

"Praludium/Use Your Feet" opens with organ then the drums dominate around 1 1/2 minutes. Organ is back out front and the vocals arrive 2 1/2 minutes in. "First Loss" is a good one as it builds into a powerful sound before calming right down. It's heavy again then it settles with vocals after 3 minutes as contrasts continue. "Funny Guys" has an epic sound to it with organ. It settles in before 1 1/2 minutes and vocals follow. "Happiness" is less than a second in length so I don't have much to say about it (haha).

3.5 stars. I'm not as "into" this as many seem to be but it's certainly worth checking out.