KIP OF THE SERENES

3.5 stars really!!!

DSS' debut album KOTS is often (and unfairly) overlooked by its successor HP, partly because of the Roger Dean gimmick artwork on the very collectible Vertigo Swirl label, but let's not overlook that this highly bizarre debut appeared on the Pink era of Island records , which should be just as collectible. The multi-instrumentalist quintet (of mainly Irish origin courtesy of the songwriting trio Pawle, Booth & Goulding) recorded their first album under the patronage of the now-legendary Joe Boyd. But from their Gaelic heritage, you'd expect from DSS some kind of Celtic ballads & jigs; but it's more the kind of acid- folk of the Scot duo ISB (minus the "acid" vocals); or the Baroque song of the utmost "Anglitude" of Amazing Blondel that seeps from the pores of your speakers.

Opening on their better-known track Strangely Strange But Oddly Normal (it appeared also on a famous label compilation), a track that could've escaped out from the XIX century pubs' doors. It seems that most of the songs proceed to a general concept hinting at the previous centuries' realities facing the common man as the back cover nutcase galleon drawing might indicate, although I have no idea what Roy Rogers would do in this tale. No doubt those with enough patience would be able to get great enjoyment out of the nonsense turns of languages throughout the album's ten songs. Instrumentally the band is a little amateurish, but never boring, almost entirely acoustic easily my fave on this album is the closing almost 9-mins Donnybrook Fair. Clearly throughout most of the album's tracks, ISB's Hangman's Beautiful Daughter is the blueprint of DSS.

Unlike many, I prefer the debut that seems to have more "chewing" substance, the album flows along alternating bigger longer numbers with some shorter songs. Although there arelesser moments of interplay, KOTS manages a more interesting climate and songs like Two Orphanages are somewhat equivalent to ISB's best songs. These pure pastoral hippie albums must be seen as basis of the Wyrd folk that disseminated in the later 90's and through this decade.

This album is one of my favorite folk albums. Not a poor track at all in my opinion. The only thing preventing me from giving it 5 stars is that it is not very progressive. As a folk album, it deserves 5 stars.

"Strangely Strange but Oddly Normal" - An excellent opener with some odd vocals around the middle of the track. The flute is quite lovely.

"Dr Dim and Dr Strange" - Starting out with spoken word, this track has a catchy melody with nice organ accompaniment. The chorus's tone is unique to say the least.

"Roy Rogers" - Wonderful background guitar in this song. Nice harmonies too.

"Dark Haired Lady" - First part has haunting melodies with nice winds solos. Second part of the track has a nice instrumental bit and a slight jazzy touch.

"On the West Cork Hack" - Rather catchy but not too memorable.

"A Tale of Two Orphanages" - Wordless chorus is beautiful, along with the lyrics throughout the song.

"Frosty Mornings" - Pleasant and good but not the best track.

"Strings in the Earth and Air" - The theme reminds me of "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star". No clue if that was their intention. Nice nonetheless, with some interesting lyrics and mallet percussion.

"Ship of Fools" - Sweet upbeat folk song. It's one of my favorites on the album.

"Donnybrook Fair" - Lovely flute solo in the beginning. The rest is good too. I'd say the most progressive track of the album.

The debut album by "Dr. Strangely Strange" is a warm, dreamy, pastoral folk effort. Although we see the line-up of 4 persons, I feel there are at least 6 or 7 of them thanks to quite rich array of instruments: flute, organs or whistle. The lads are not afraid to experiment with song structures, instrument playing even though their efforts sound sometimes amateurish (listen to the not quite cleanly played flute in the last songs). Vocals are decent and harmonies add additional warmth. Not surprisingly, the longer tracks are more memorable and build highlights - the first two and the last track. However, it is the "Darked haired lady" which wins the prize for pretty interesting playing.

The downsides of this album are lack of maturity, competent instrumental playing and for progressive fans, not enough complexity. Also, there are not drums apart from simple percussions. Good for you, if you are more orthodox folk fan. Recommended to those preferring charming, passionate and slightly adventurous folk.