Culpeper’s Orchard – Culpeper’s Orchard (1971/2014) review
Culpeper’s Orchard “Culpeper’s Orchard” (Shadoks Music, 1971/2014)
The debut album by this Danish progressive psych band (named
after the British botanist who studied hallucinogenic plants) was originally
released on Polydor in 1971 and has a little of everything to please almost any
fan of adventurous ’70s European rock. They start with a brief banjo-driven
singalong (!) before tearing into the steamy, hard rocking ‘Mountain Music Part
1’, which features some amazing fretwork from lead guitarist Niels Henriksen.
‘Hey You People’ illustrates the band’s softer, folkier side and the
self-referential ‘Teaparty for an Orchard’ suggests a fascination with the
burgeoning prog scene, boasting interesting chord changes and warm organ
flourishes courtesy multi-instrumentalist (bass, flute, organ, piano) Michael
Friis.
after the British botanist who studied hallucinogenic plants) was originally
released on Polydor in 1971 and has a little of everything to please almost any
fan of adventurous ’70s European rock. They start with a brief banjo-driven
singalong (!) before tearing into the steamy, hard rocking ‘Mountain Music Part
1’, which features some amazing fretwork from lead guitarist Niels Henriksen.
‘Hey You People’ illustrates the band’s softer, folkier side and the
self-referential ‘Teaparty for an Orchard’ suggests a fascination with the
burgeoning prog scene, boasting interesting chord changes and warm organ
flourishes courtesy multi-instrumentalist (bass, flute, organ, piano) Michael
Friis.
Friis
also contributes a gentle flute backing to ‘Ode To Resistance’, while the
tender, cozy harmonies on the acoustic ballad ‘Blue Day’s Morning’ remind us
favourably of Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young at their peak. The album ends
with ‘Mountain Music Part 2’, bringing the set full circle and returning to
their hard rocking, progressive passion (albeit with a nifty banjo finale!)
Shadoks’ usual excellent packaging includes a full-colour 16-page booklet with
lyrics, rare photos and interviews with several band members.
also contributes a gentle flute backing to ‘Ode To Resistance’, while the
tender, cozy harmonies on the acoustic ballad ‘Blue Day’s Morning’ remind us
favourably of Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young at their peak. The album ends
with ‘Mountain Music Part 2’, bringing the set full circle and returning to
their hard rocking, progressive passion (albeit with a nifty banjo finale!)
Shadoks’ usual excellent packaging includes a full-colour 16-page booklet with
lyrics, rare photos and interviews with several band members.
Review made by Jeff Penczak/2015
© Copyright http://psychedelicbaby.blogspot.com/2015
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