MICE AND RATS IN THE LOFT

This is an original sounding album from 1971 from a British Acid / Folk trio called JAN DUKES DE GREY. No "peace, love & groovy" band here as we get pictures of the band holding a rifle in the liner notes, and lyrics that are very disturbing and dark. In fact most compare this to COMUS' "First Utterance" album, and for good reason. A real nice variety of sounds here as well with trumpet, clarinet, flute, sax, violin and cello along with lots of 12 string guitar, also electric guitar, bass, harmonica, percussion, drums and more.

"Sun Symphonica" opens with flute as vocals and drums take over quickly. A horn melody joins in as acoustic guitar comes and goes. Flutes back before 2 minutes then the tempo picks up. A change 5 minutes in brings cello, flute and vocals. An acoustic guitar solo follows then strings and flute take over with drums. Horns are back 9 minutes in, vocals too as it settles. Violin comes and goes.The passion, intensity and disturbing lyrics end 15 minutes in. Horns then flute a minute later. Harmonica follows before the track ends abruptly. What a song !

"Call Of The Wild" opens with acoustic guitar as all three members come in vocally and doing harmony parts. Some flute then violin as well. The acoustic guitar really dominates this song. A change 8 minutes in as it turns almost haunting and psychedelic, then a horn melody comes in. It settles 12 minutes in then flute leads the way. "Mice And Rats In The Loft" opens with sirens before electric guitar and drums take over.The guitar is great here. Vocals after a minute describe a ritual human sacrifice. What an intense track !

As Tom Ozric mentions in his review this is all about creativity.