LIFEMASK

Lifemask earmarks Roy Harper's sixth studio release. It is a richly woven album consisting of both progressive and folk influences. The album opens with the emphatic ' Highway Blues'. This is a dark song and a hard act to follow for the rest of the album because it is so darn good. Both Roy Harper's and Jimmy Page's guitar work is excellent on Lifemask but seriously ' Highway Blues' has to be played very loud to be fully appreciated. ' All Ireland' follows and is a solemn ballad led by Roy Harper's distinctive vocals. ' Bank Of The Dead' features Jimmy Page again as does the epic long track ' The Lord's Prayer'. Harper and Page combine so convincingly on guitars, it is little wonder they played live occassionally also. ' South Africa' is another highlight on Lifemask, a love song, but justafiably anti apartheid nuances throughout. This is not Roy Harper's best studio album but still highly recommended for any progressive folk enthusiasts. It is also worth mentioning that Peter Jenner of the Harvest label/Pink Floyd fame produces Lifemask. 4 stars!