ST. RADIGUNDS

In the subgenre of acid folk, one of the first victims of The Incredible String Band's infectious syndrome was Spirogyra, whose nucleus was formed by Martin Cockerham -guitar, voice and writing- and Barbara Gaskin, vocals.

Psychedelia, folk tradition and blues mix here to make a particularly well done and original brew of sounds and influences, being the main the afore mentioned TISB.

Indeed, Martin Cockerham follows Williamson & Heron's credo putting his music to the service of the text and adapting it to the necessities of the line, stress and pronunciation. and in doing this he finds an invaluable help in the form of the violing playing of John Cusack (also playing piano). Moreover, the music develops and evolves to higher levels of expression with the inclusion of bass guitar (Steve Borrill) and percussions, transforming itself and progressing to rock, as in 'Magical Mary', 'Cogwheels Crutches and Cyanide'.

On her side, Barbara Gaskin's voice stars in 'Time will Tell' and 'Love is a Funny Thing', a beautiful ballad.

The need of a drummer would also be felt for the next two albums and would be impersoned, as here, in the likes of Dave Mattacks, whose omnipresence in the folk scene is only comparable to that (indisputable) of Danny Thompson. Tony Cox added synthesizer. Wind instruments would also be added (Jon Gifford) lately.

The inspiration of these songs -The Future Won't Be Long, At Home with the World, Cogweels Crutches and Cyanide, etc- makes this album one of the best in its genre.

Four and half stars or 9 out of 10 really.