SEVEN SECRETS

Fruup made a sonic leap forward on their second album. Abandoning the early 70's hard rock/psychedelic elements and opening up to a more contemporary progressive and ambitious sound, I welcome this step. Keyboards are more present and introducing synths/moog rather than just variations of organ. Take it or leave it, the music also becomes more stately as we have a heavy dose of classical music inspiration. "It's all up now" is a ballad in the vein of prog-meets-classical music with piano standing for the retro style and guitar bringing the prog. The best part comes after the fifth-minute mark, elegant subdued guitar on the walls of synths. "Prince of darkness" borrows the theatrical singing from Gabriel but stylistically, again binds the remote nostalgic 20-30's augmented by honky-tonky piano then transforming into a merry-go-round instrumental mess. On top of it, we have great singing and a good melody. "Jaunting car"is rhythmically repetitive but let's highlight the country-like sounding guitar. "Knowing you" is a return to the previous folk leanings on the debut album, a stripped-down and sharp number. "Crystal book" and the longer "The perfect wish" are attempts at suites. They are both well played and we hear plenty of quality symphonic instrumental prog. The latter song features dynamic shifts in the song pace augmented by great drumming.

Out of bonus tracks, I recommend the synth-heavy and melodic "Prince of heaven" that could, by a better luck, end up in the contemporary radio.

To me, it's the band's best album.