PILGRIMAGE

It is often difficult for a band to confirm a great debut album. In the music history, a debut was scarcely one of the best albums from a band ("Genesis", "Yes", Floyd, VDGG, Tull etc. etc.). But "Wishbone Ash" scored rather high with their eponymous work.

This "Pilgrimage" opens on a cover song which is much too jazzy to my taste and I very much prefer the rocking "Pilgrim" which is closer to their good rocking style. This track is almost instrumental; but the band has been using this feature already. And frankly, I can't complain.

The structure of this song is quite traditional for a WA tune: it starts on the smooth edge and ends into a wild frenzy of dual electric guitars. Almost eclectic and wild my prog friends!

This album is not so well achieved than their first one though. Even if their music was definitely leaning towards classic rock, some US influenced music is the key here: jazz as I have already said or straight boogie with "Jail Bait": these were less interesting than what I was expecting after their very good debut.

Some short songs are not helping either ("Alone" or "Lullaby"). And the childish and mellowish "Valediction" is only worth thanks to some good guitar break. This is quite a letdown so far.

The closing "Where Were You Tomorrow" is more in line with what is expected from the band. It is a long boogie that seriously reminds me of "Canned Heat". Not too much prog as you can imagine?

I was quite disappointed with this album. Basic rock as there is a lot available. Two stars.