LONDON UNDERGROUND

I'm proud of Sweden when it comes to progressive & symphonic rock. We have many great bands such as ÄNGLAGARD, LANDBERK, The FLOWER KINGS, SINKADUS, ABRAMIS BRAMA, QOPH, SAMLA MAMMAS MANNA and ANEKDOTEN to mention a few. But we also have three of my favourite record labels here in Sweden: APM (Ad Perpetuam Memoriam), Mellotronen and Record Heaven. These three labels together are responsible for the main part of the releases today that are really interesting, Swedish and non-Swedish. - So when I started listening to LONDON UNDERGROUND's debut album, it didn't come as a surprise that this was another outstanding release from the Record Heaven label. LONDON UNDERGROUND are three Italian musicians and three additional musicians, playing British 60's & 70's influenced pop-rock with lots of vintage keyboards such as Hammond, Organ, Moog, Clavinet and Mellotron. Judging by the music, their biggest influence seems to be The BEATLES. But there's also reminiscences to ATOMIC ROOSTER, BIGELF, KING CRIMSON, PINK FLOYD, SHADES OF ORANGE and STANDARTE. The band also featuring the ex-STANDARETE drummer and vocalist: Daniele Caputo. - If it wasn't for the excellent production you could've easily believed that this album originated from the 60's or the 70's. My favourite tracks are the psychedelic "Worst Is Yet To Come", the BEATLES and Eastern influenced "Everywhere I Go", the ballad "Was She Worth My Time", Love Is A Beautiful Thing" and the groovy closing track "Whatcha Gonna Do". - Summary: This is a highly recommended album from a Swedish label, with an Italian band, playing British sounding pop rock.

LONDON UNDERGROUND are a trio from Italy led by the drummer/vocalist Daniele Caputo who is also known for his work with one of best modern prog bands about STANDARTE. Borrowing influences from The BEATLES, PINK FLOYD, HAWKWIND, KIN PING MEH, BIRTH CONTROL and ATOMIC ROOSTER, the LONDON UNDERGROUND have recorded here one heck of a debut album. This short playing album is very experimental and yet it is still very enjoyable and accessible to listen to. There are some simply killer instrumental aspects on this album with heavy organ/mellotron drenched passages... everything a prog head would love. LONDON UNDERGROUND play a British styled 60's & 70's influenced pop-rock with lots of vintage keyboards such as Hammond,organ, Moog, clavinet and Mellotron. Vocals are mostly handled by Caputo who has a great deep voice and fits the music to perfection. Without a question this carries the same deep conviction that are present on the STANDARTE albums. A great album all the way thru...

Daniele Caputo the drummer and vocalist for STANDARTE (a band I really like) started this band up adding a bass player and keyboardist (piano, Hammond, mellotron, clavinet and moog). There are some guest guitarists as well. The sound here is much like the name of the band. Funny that this Italian band would take such an English name but that's the style of music Daniele wanted to create. So we get lots of late sixties swinging psyche music here. Great looking album cover as well, in fact the front and back cover are very sixties looking.

"Kultual Opus#1" is a 20 second intro of percussion and spacey sounds to "Magda K.". Keyboards, bass and a steady beat with vocals is what we get.This sounds amazing ! Especially the prolonged instrumental interlude. Some mellotron before 3 1/2 minutes. Spoken words before 4 minutes then it turns spacey to the end. Check out the mellotron ! "Worst Is Yet To Come" is a catchy tune. I'm reminded of THE BEATLES before 3 minutes. I like the instrumental section that follows right to the end.

"Squadron Leader" features lots of Hammond and drums. Vocals as well here. "Everywhere I Go" opens with organ, bass and piano. Distorted vocals arrive quickly with picked guitar. It's much better when it kicks in with normal vocals 1 1/2 minutes in. "Mass Baptizer" is a highlight. Lots of organ and drums as vocals enter. Mellotron too. "Was She Worth My Time" features a string section. This is the longest track at over 7 1/2 minutes. A laid back tune with some Pedal Steel guitar as well. "Love Is A Beautiful Thing" is fairly aggressive with some distorted organ and passionate vocals. "Whatcha Gonna Do" is a Brian Auger cover. A fun tune that suits the style of music here perfectly.

I like this but can't offer up that 4th star. Good album.