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Beggars Opera - Act One CD (album) cover

ACT ONE

Beggars Opera

 

Symphonic Prog

3.67 | 250 ratings

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ZowieZiggy
Prog Reviewer
4 stars This is another good heavy rock album, fully keyboards driven and so typical of an era.

The band never played in the premier league, but the music available on this debut album is frankly very good. Coming out at the same time of some seminal rock albums (prog or not), this release definitely deserves more interest on PA.

The psychedelic years surely had an influence on the band (Passacaglia, Memory); but they added some heavier textures which made them somewhat original.

The second part of the album mixes some classical themes with the wildest beats you can think of. This is particularly true during the AWESOME Raymonds Road. It features an orgy of frenetic drumming (from . Raymond Wilson) and powerful keys. It is by far the best piece of music available and there is not a second of relief during these almost twelve minutes. It is great track in the tradition of their contemporary ELP, on the heavier side. It is my highlight from this very good album.

The other long track is not so performing IMO. It is yet another very pleasant psychedelic/heavy prog song but inspiration is not at its eight. It features a great guitar break (which is not quite usual on this album) and some frenetic parts as well. Light Cavalry is another excellent track which is another showcase for the excellent Raymond Wilson on the drums. And believe me: there is nothing light in here.

The bonus Sarabande is fully psychedelic and even Hendrix oriented while Think is very much like an old Purple Mark I song (but it is the only track I can related to one of my most beloved bands).

Four stars for this very good debut album. An ocean of great bands and creativity probably brought Beggars Opera behind the scene. It is a pity though.

ZowieZiggy | 4/5 |

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