AUDIENCE [AKA: THE FIRST ALBUM]

This debut album released in late 1969 was really a peculiar creation regarding musical ambience of that time; music material comprised varied influences and elements from folk to rhythm and blues coloured tunes; the sound was marked by acoustic guitar, woodwinds and distinctive Howard Werth's vocal. From ditties like 'Poet', through latin echoes of 'Riverboat Queen' we come to more mature 'Heaven Is An Island' and 'Leave It Unsaid'. My personal favourite is 'Maidens Cry', a song with a genuine Audience allure which will fully light up on their following two albums. From three bonus tracks 'The Going Song' is the one to be propound. Although hardly even noticed when released, this album was significant entry for the band which real prog value will be discovered and confirmed many years, even decades later.