ASSAULT ON MERRYLAND

It's been a much discussed topic as to why there weren't more Prog bands from the USA in the seventies. I've heard several that really impressed me like CATHEDRAL, YEZDA URFA, BABYLON and POLYPHONY but when you consider the pure volume of progressive music from all over the world in the seventies it really is a mystery as to why it didn't catch on there. SURPRISE released this one album in 1977 when Prog was on it's way out. The big negative for me is the concept and in particular the lyrics which are often cringe-worthy to say the least. From the very first listen I couldn't take this album seriously and while the instrumental parts are fine they do nothing to raise my rating.

"Eve Of The Assault / Merryland" opens with a circus-like vibe which is replaced by a Classical flavour before we get that uptempo soundscape. Vocals after 1 1/2 minutes. It's intense 3 1/2 minutes in before turning dreamy before 5 minutes to the end. Not a bad start. "The Acrobat Between The Stars" is uptempo with vocals coming in at 1 1/2 minutes. Good tune. "Palace Of King Ferris" opens with the sound of crickets then vocals and a light beat takes over with background synths and bass helping out. This is laid back. Flute comes in as well. It's an okay song. "Tyrangatang" is where they let their hair down and rock out like BLUE OYSTER CULT. "Dance Of The Tarantella" opens with samples before vocals and a relaxed sound take over. It does pick up. Flute before 3 minutes then a guitar solo.

"Tournament Of Love" is just plain bad. Where are my tights because I need to skip in the meadow to this (haha). Sorry but ballad-like music with some of the worst lyrics i've heard will do that. "March Of The Squatamaudars" is fairly heavy to start which is good but then when he sings i'm bailing again. "A Day Without Light" is okay with vocals and flute. "The Wonderful Sunshine / Grand Finale" has strummed guitar and vocals early on. It kicks in before 3 minutes. Just not a fan of this one.

The second half of this album kills it for me. I just don't like this.