SWITCH

This album has two tales to tell. A kind of Jekyll and Hyde release. The reason for this is that side one from the opener Intro/Plus Minus Absurdio to the side one closer Kill Me/ Ce soir is an absolute classic, Side two of the old vinyl shape and form, took another direction. Not unpleasant but much less progressive and proof in some respects that the album has an almost split personality..hence Switch? An indication of the direction the band were taking perhaps too. Intro.. opens the album with Floydlike synths and a great spacerock atsmosphere. It does not last long however before it breaks into the great rock tune Love is a Rodeo. It is worth mentioning the musicianship is so tightly managed on Switch that it is a pleasureable experience to hear the overall sound. The title song Switch is up next and in many respects the cleverest track played. A light if not hypnotic beat takes you on about a five minute cruise before the gloomy Kill Me plays out the side. Here Barry Hay is at his best vocally as he stretches his vocal chords to the maximum. Great percussion and sax too. Probably the most epic and conceptual songs off the album.

Side two is more of a mish mash of sounds and Tons Of Time definitely the highlight with an almost early ELO type chorus to it. The melancholic Lonesome DJ closes off the album to a mediocre end and Daddy's Gonna Save My Soul gets 10/10 for effort but it is not of the vintage fare found on the first part of Switch. Troubles and Hassles sandwiched inbetween these is a largely non descript rock tune. Overall though the album is very good but as I say an album of two sides to it. Three and a half stars and a worthwhile addition to your collection especially as 1975 was one the best years ever for progressive music.So even the good albums were great!