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Capability Brown - From Scratch CD (album) cover

FROM SCRATCH

Capability Brown

 

Crossover Prog

2.62 | 23 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

ZowieZiggy
Prog Reviewer
3 stars This is another of the Charisma gangs. Unfortunately, they won't be as successful as a few other ones and they only produced two albums and then called it quit.

It is a bit sad since Capability Brown was definitely not a bad band and they should have deserved more recognition IMO. This album, only released on vinyl format is a fine mix of covers and own material.

Each song features subtle and very well crafted vocal arrangements, which remind Yes at times (especially during the first two songs). The opener was featured on the debut album from Rare Bird in 1969 and is represented here in a great version (but the original was also excellent). This one is more guitar-oriented while keyboards were of course the characteristics of the RB version. It is a highlight.

In terms of Yes, the second song of this album Do You Believe is probably the one which comes the closest from their sound. This is particularly true during the vocal parts, but the whole band sounds pretty good as well. It might not be an extraordinary song, but one can listen to it with a certain pleasure and nostalgia.

The Band is the first weak number. Some country feeling is not particularly welcome. The Beatles influence surrounds you while listening to Gardens. Again, the attraction are the vocals. These guys were really gifted: the six of them were participating which conveys a superb feeling.

They show again their skills in the excellent Argent cover of Liar. A wonderful re-visited version and another highlight. This album is more rock than prog, but it holds links to some great prog bands. While I listen to No Range, the flute reminds of Tull with no doubt. But the heavy Tull, not the subtle and folk one.

The closing number is the most elaborate one. Vocals are very much Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young oriented. I've added Young because it also features great electric guitar parts. It even gets heavy at times (but it is not the only number to feature a heavier sound). This almost ten minutes number is the most interesting one from this debut album. A furious rocking highlight.

This album is a good one. Three stars.

ZowieZiggy | 3/5 |

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