FIRST LOSS

Sole album and one of the best from the country at the time, this typical prog quartet showed amazing maturity for their first album. Recorded in Munich in late 70 and released on the legendary Kuckuk label (Munich-based as were label-mate Ihre Kinder and especially Out Of Focus and other label monster Amon Duul II), this album is a gem in the heavy progressive vein, mixing some classical influences with their hard rock, mostly through their organ-player Uhlig - the prime composer of the group. A very naïve but poetic drawing on the cover is intriguing us right off the bat, and the music inside is definitely at the height of the hopes raised.

From the opener At First (an excellent intro but careful not to reveal too much of what is to come) to the slow starter Speed Is Coming Back (guitar-drenched but the organs are what gives it flavour) to the monster track (only 7 min+, but awesome in its bluesy organ- drenched dramatic scheme) Past Has Gone draws a few chills and would be close to a masterpiece if the vocals were not a bit under-mixed. A good organ solo dividers the track and the way the groups rebuilds quickly is quite impressive.

Opening the second side of this wax slice is the track that shows most of their classical influences, but they do much more than that, as the track is in constant evolution. Comes in the wild title track (under 8 min) which is the other highlight of the album, is a powerful work-out giving a chance for everyone to shine. Somehow, some Vanilla Fudge references are also a bit evident here at times. Closing track (not exactly but almost) is a call to fun as the Bach tribute/fugue and the short finale is a laugh.

As superb this album was, they broke-up soon after and aside from a few short lived groups just after, these guys will not be having a career that this album hints at. Truly one of those lost prog gems, even if the self-indulgent spirit of those years is stopping it from the upper star.

Very good for its own level - that's why 4 stars. Made more in a proto-heavy-prog way, MURPHY BLEND shows immense influnces from URIAH HEEP and DEEP PURPLE (as well as some tricks from THE DOORS or LED ZEPPELIN). A Must for 70s Prog fans and rarities' collectors, it also could be an excellent addition to every Heavy Prog collection. Less mature than 2066 AND THEN or above-mentioned Legends, nevertheless MURPHY BLEND can provide you with a good mood for these 35 minutes. Recommended.

MURPHY BLEND from Germany released just one album back in 1971 on the Kuckuck label.This is very much an organ driven album with English vocals that are in the style of Jim Morrison but not as deep or as good. The bass player would join BLACKWATER PARK after this band broke up.

"At First" opens with organ but it kicks in to a full sound quickly.This is uptempo as well. Vocals 1 1/2 minutes in as it settles down. Guitar before 2 1/2 minutes then the organ is back leading. "Speed Is Coming Back" sounds great early on with the organ and guitar. Vocals after 1 1/2 minutes. A guitar solo comes in before 3 minutes then the organ leads a minute later and the vocals return. "Past Has Gone" opens with organ and the vocals don't come in until after 2 minutes. Some heavy organ in this one.The bass, organ and drums build after 6 1/2 minutes and the guitar joins in too. Nice.

"Praludium/Use Your Feet" opens with organ then the drums dominate around 1 1/2 minutes. Organ is back out front and the vocals arrive 2 1/2 minutes in. "First Loss" is a good one as it builds into a powerful sound before calming right down. It's heavy again then it settles with vocals after 3 minutes as contrasts continue. "Funny Guys" has an epic sound to it with organ. It settles in before 1 1/2 minutes and vocals follow. "Happiness" is less than a second in length so I don't have much to say about it (haha).

3.5 stars. I'm not as "into" this as many seem to be but it's certainly worth checking out.