MIDNIGHT MUSHRUMPS

Gryphon's second album sees them developing the traditional influences of the first, while exploiting the classical background of the principal members, especially Richard Harvey.

Harvey is the sole composer of the title suite which occupies the whole of the first side of the LP. His affection for the sound of the Crumhorn (he uses three different ones and Brian Gulland uses its younger cousin, the Bassoon) and other traditional instruments give the piece a distinctly mediaeval flavour. The addition of bass to the line up, plus the adoption of some electronic instruments including organ and guitar, has only a limited impact on the band's overall sound, which is still largely from previous centuries. While the track is pleasantly diverting, overall it lacks spark, being gentle on the ear but unassuming.

The second side consists of 5 unrelated tracks. Apart from the traditional "Ploughboy's dream", they are all band compositions. The focus is very much on the understated traditional sounds of the title suite, with occasional louder electric passages. The music is primarily instrumental and acoustic. While the overriding impression is pleasant, there is a lack of real dynamic to the tracks which gives the album something of a new age, easy listening feel.

In all, a decent but undemanding album.

Irrelevant footnote - I still have my ticket stub for Gryphon supporting Yes at the Glasgow Apollo in 1975, ticket price £2.25!

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