SIX PIECES

Six Pieces was The Enid's next release after 'Touch Me'. I believe it was originally intended to be a continuous piece of music, but the record company took fright and demanded that they make it into shorter, more accessible tracks. The end result is still stunning, even after the indignity of record company interference. The music was eventually split into six musical "portraits" of each individual band member. (Unfortunately I can't remember who each track is meant to represent.) The first track, 'Punch and Judy Man', opens with a fast 9/8 + 7/8 figure on the keyboards. This track is tricky as hell and features some incredible drumming from Dave Storey. After a rousing intro the tune slips into a dreamy section which sounds like Debussy, Chopin and Mahler all rolled into one (no mean feat). Track 2 is a beautiful arrangement of 'Scarborough Fair', renamed 'Once She Was'. It takes the form of a set of continuous decorative variations on the famous melody. After a short intro the melody is played gently on string machines and, as if by magic, we find ourselves in the very English world of Holst and Vaughn Williams. (neither of whom could have done better, I hasten to add) After a mysterious pizzicato variation the band launch into an angry sounding section which leads directly into a majestic "brass" chorale. The tune ends with a mighty restatement of the melody, featuring great brass sounds from the synths. Track 3 is a stormy piece with a distinctly English and nautical feel about it. Great drumming and beautiful guitar work abound. The next track, 'Sanctus', is full of brass fanfares and soaring guitar work. A rather rousing tune, to be sure. 'Hall of Mirrors' features some exquisite guitar playing from Francis Lickerish and Stephen Stewart. The last track, 'The Dreamer', is a song without words; a broad cantabile melody that wouldn't be out of place in an Italian Opera. It reaches a climax with a theme from 'Sanctus'. I really can't give this album anything less than a five star rating. The Enid really were one hell of a band.