CANIS LUPUS

Darryl Way was a founding member of CURVED AIR and a very good violinist to say the least. After CURVED AIR released "Phantasmagoria" in 1972 Darryl left the band to be replaced by a young Eddie Jobson. Way would go on to release two studio albums in 1973 including this one "Canis Lupus" as well as "Saturation Point" both with the same lineups. They would release one more studio album in 1974. The band is more commonly known as DARRYL WAY'S WOLF and this certainly is a band effort all the way(ahem). Both in the compositions and featured instruments. Darryl adds some keyboards too and we have future MARILLION drummer Ian Mosley here along with future SOFT MACHINE guitarist John Etheridge and finally the key in my opinion vocalist and bass player Dek Messecar. He would go on to do both for CARAVAN and I can appreciate how he was such a good fit for them. I just like his singing voice which is clear and higher pitched. And he plays a mean bass too, talented man. So yes this album caught me off guard, I wasn't expecting such an uplifting and consistent recording.

"The Void" opens with keys as the bass joins in followed by drums then vocals as it all picks up. So good! Head bobbin' time. Vocals will come and go as two main pieces are contrasted throughout. The guitar comes in each time the vocals step aside. "Isolation Waltz" is all about that heavy rhythm section early on and we finally hear violin for the first time on the album 2 minutes in. Some vocals on this one. "Go Down" is a relaxed tune with guitar, bass and drums as laid back vocals join in. Vocals are more passionate a minute in, moving stuff. Guitar replaces vocals. Vocals and a more mellow sound after 3 minutes. The guitar does return late. "Wolf" features synths, violin and vocals and Way lights it up after 3 1/2 minutes on that violin.

"Cadenza" opens with some amazing sounding violin leads. Drums and bass join in then guitar before 1 1/2 minutes. Man some talent here with Etheridge and Way on their respective instruments. Bass after 1 1/2 minutes then a drum solo 3 1/2 minutes in that I like. This song really features the instrumental talents of these four guys. "Chanson Sans Paroles" opens bringing ZAO to mind with that melodic violin led sound. It's violin and bass driven early on then we get this calm with piano and atmosphere before 2 minutes which is really cool. Guitar kicks in soaring this time as the tempo picks up. Some intensity later before returning to that opening sound. Great track! "McDonald's Lament" ends it with electric piano, violin and bass. It picks up with guitar and drums joining in and the violin turns more passionate.

I'm still just so impressed with this album and it's probably closer to 4.5 stars. The enjoyment level is very high.