AQUILA

"Aquila" is the eponymoustly titled debut full-length studio album by Welch rock band Aquila. The album was released through RCA Victor in August 1970. Aquila was formed by guitarist/vocalist Ralph Denyer after he left Blonde on Blonde, and he is responsible for composing all material on the album. It would be Aquila´s sole album release before disbanding.

Stylistically the album features an energetic and organic rock sound which occasionally touches on jazz/rock and progressive rock. The use of saxophone, hammond organ, and flute make this album slightly more sophisticated than you average contemporary rock album release, but I wouldn´t call it progressive rock. Denyer is a solid vocalist. Nothing out of the ordinary, but he has a strong voice and a convincing delivery.

Side 1 of the original vinyl features four individual tracks while side 2 features the three-part "Aquila suite". It´s probably the material on side 2, which sometimes places Aquila on lists of progressive rock bands, even though they are still (also on "The Aquila suite") predominantly a relatively normal rock act, who likes to jam and use unconventional instruments like the saxophone and the flute.

"Aquila" is an incredibly well produced album, featuring a pleasant, powerful, and organic sounding production. The musicianship is arguably through the roof too and in most departments this is a high quality debut release from Aquila. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.