This is the 2nd album by the Welsh rock/Prog combo released in ’77. Mainly of note for being the home for both future UFO guitarist, Tonka Chapman, and Uriah Heep vocalist, John Sloman. It’s very hard to pigeonhole this band, as they don’t sound like anyone else.
Opening number, The Bells Of Berlin, is a pomp rock tour de force with a huge arrangement and a very epic feel. On the other hand, The Ballad Of Crafty Jack is more straightforward at the beginning, then the huge vocal harmonies take over – as sort of a cross between Led Zeppelin and Styx. Time Lays Down is next, and the man riff of which is very funky, with John Sloman ding his best Robert Plant impression – I love the middle eight section. Side 1 closes out with Hypnotic Mover. which has an odd groove with a heavy vibe and some nice melodies.
Side 2 kicks off with Lovely Lubina – and another weird time signature that leans on the funk somewhat. Seasons In Your Eyes is a ballad – this was before they became a necessary evil on everyone’s albums. Rivers Overflowing is a glorious over the top groove fest with the band (again) turning to the funk with a great main riff – this is my favourite track on the album. The album closes out with All Of Us To All Of You, which is a really good track, but the main opening is a straight lift from Deep Purple.
I loved this band at the time after seeing them on Whistle Test.
8.5/10 from The Grooveman.
