MAELSTROM

MAELSTROM were an American band who released a small pressing of this album back in 1973. It was called "On The Gulf" but for some reason when this was re-issued by Black Moon Productions they changed the album's title to "Maelstrom". Anyway this is truly an album that sits right at 3.5 stars for me. Even Andy at Planet Mellotron rates it at 3.5 stars. Lots to like and it certainly can get adventerous but there's also this late sixties vibe with the vocals and sound. An interesting album regardless, but this is hit and miss for me. Lots of mellotron as well on all but one track.

"Ceres" is very sixties sounding, especially the vocal style. Each time the sound gets fuller the organ floats in with power. "In Memory" is uptempo with crazy sax and even though it settles down before 1 1/2 minutes the insane sax continues. Some dissonant sax late as well. Excellent track. "The Balloonist" settles in before a minute and I like the guitar and flute that follows. Sax returns and we get vocals before 3 minutes. Two very good songs in a row.

"Alien" opens with piano as reserved vocals join in and it gets fuller. Vocals follow then we get a calm with piano after 2 minutes. The guitar then solos tastefully. An okay tune. "Chronicles" is another one i'm not too fond of. The focus is on the vocals until around 2 minutes in. Vocals are back a minute later as well as some promininat sax. "Law And Crime" is brighter with vocals. Floating organ and more follow. "Nature Abounds" ends the original album with a ballad-like tune. Yikes ! No i'm okay I was just startled by this. The sax and drums late are good.

Like Andy says there is a MOODY BLUES vibe happenig here and to a less extent ELP. The bio here mentions IT'S A BEAUTIFUL DAY which is a good refernece as far as the vocals go. So if your into Proto-Prog and that early sound chances are you'll love this one.