DRAGONFLY

"Dragonfly" is the second full-length studio album by UK folk rock/progressive rock act The Strawbs. The album was released in February 1970 through A&M Records. It´s the successor to the eponymously titled debut album from May 1969. The trio lineup who recorded the debut album was joined by a fourth member in cellist Claire Deniz. Rick Wakeman makes a guest appearance playing piano on "The Vision of the Lady of the Lake".

Stylistically the folk rock style with progressive rock elements which the band initiated on the debut album is continued on "Dragonfly". It´s maybe a little more folk oriented than the debut album and the addition of Claire Deniz and her cello provides some of the tracks with a dark melancholic bottom which is quite a significant new element to the band´s sound. The music is predominantly acoustic featuring acoustic guitars (although there is sparse use of electric guitars too), piano, flute, cello, minimal percussion (and even more minimal use of drums), double bass, and dulcimer. Most tracks feature a storytelling singing style, which of course isn´t anything out of the ordinary for a folk rock album. The lead vocals are often layered with harmony vocals and choirs. It´s an organic soundscape.

While The Strawbs are often called a progressive folk rock band, most of the tracks on "Dragonfly" are relatively straight forward folk rock songs, but the 10:44 minutes long "The Vision of the Lady of the Lake" is an exception to the rule (not completely unlike "The Battle" was on the debut album). "Dragonfly" features a well sounding organic production job, which provides the material with the depth and warmth it needs. So upon conclusion it´s a good quality sophomore release by The Strawbs. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.