Icelandic prog rockers Svanfridur formed from the ashes of various rock bands in the early 70's and released only one album, 1972's "What's Hidden There?" Strikingly, the band doesn't sound especially Icelandic. These guys could have been from San Francisco or London given the careful lyric phrasing or slavish devotion to the musical conventions of the era. (right down to the "to be played loud" injunction in the liner notes). After playing gigs abroad, the band ended up at London's Majestic Studios, yet after failing to gain any label support resorted to releasing the album on their own. Only a few hundred copies were pressed and although recorded in London, and sung in English, it was made available in Iceland only in late '72. (the band's entire lifespan was over the coarse of one year!) Heavily influenced by English psych bands, the band sounds more of a late 60's ensemble rather than heavy prog on parts. Other moments are consistent with great heavy prog of the era. The band sound best when playing more of the straight forward rock type material in the album. Although there are hippy/mellow portions, but yet being essential and done quite well, makes for a well rounded release. This band would have done well on Decca at the time.
After selling but a few hundred copies, having not achieved much from the effort, the band split in early/mid '73. Very good psychedelic rock with discrete signs of proggy texture. Full of well-played, secure arrangements.
No comments:
Post a Comment