FROM THE WITCHWOOD

With From The Witchwood, Strawbs took a major leap forward in their evolution. Not only do they sound many times more confident here compared to the immature two first studio albums, but suddenly they also had their very own sound and really strong material. Assorted stringed acoustic instruments are cleverly mixed with Rock drums, Rick Wakeman's brilliant keyboards, and Dave Cousins' haunting lead vocals to transport the listener right into the heard of the mystical witchwood. Instruments used include banjo, autoharp, harpsichord, organ, celeste, dulcimer, piano, and electric piano. Rick is even credited for playing Mellotron and Moog, but don't expect anything like he later did with Yes.

In my view, From The Witchwood is one of Strawbs' strongest albums. Indeed, for me it is not only better than the previous two studio albums but also than the following two. However, the real peak of the band's career, at least from a progressive point of view, came later with Hero And Heroine and Ghosts.

Excellent addition to any Prog Folk collection

Share this STRAWBS review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to SouthSideoftheSky
• Report this review (#177010)
• Buy STRAWBS music online with PA partners
• Show all STRAWBS MP3/Stream
• Go to STRAWBS page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to From The Witchwood page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for STRAWBS related discussions