JOURNEY

This album is a phenomenal contribution to the whole Space-Rock/Psychedelic sub-genre of Prog. Vocalist, chief instigator Arthur Brown has assembled an amazing crew of 'trippers' to fulfil his vision of Space ; taking an amazing 'journey' through the cosmic myriad known to us as the universe (pompous prose, I know...).

I acquired this LP around 1990, when all that was on the menu was anything I considered as 'spun-out'. Central to all pieces on the album (which co-incidentally appeared in two versions of cover-art ; this old sun God whose trapped within a spiral, and the other being a lovely red rose) is AB and his (then) state-of-the-art Bentley drum machine, which sounds like an early analogue rhythm- box. The next feature sounds on the record comprise of the eccentric ARP 2600 Synth-twiddling and incredible Mellotron work of the 'barking mad' keyboardist Victor Peraino, absolutely integral to the whole vibe of the album. Together with a steady Bass-player and competent lead-guitarist, the band presents us with a space-age, futuristic sounding recording, complete with subtle humour. Every piece is of interest, with really high highlights being the longer cuts ; Time Captives (8.13), Gypsy (9.10), Superficial Roadblocks (6.56) which showcases the Mellotron in all its glory, just ask Andy T of Planet Mellotron fame, and the rocking closer, 'Come Alive' (8.45). The shorter compositions are very good, too, even an almost commercial attempt with the song 'Spirit of Joy'. This is top-notch Prog, believe me.