Progressive folk rock for fans of the hard-to-find
Anno Domini are a well kept secret of the Irish 70s rock scene. The quartet only ever amounted to one LP and a single in '71 in the usual semi-progressive, folky, half-psychedelic sound of the early part of the decade. Fetching hundreds of Euros the two original pressings (on Deram in the UK and Polydor in Germany) are probably too rich for any but the hardest core of collectors. Should this be the case, South Korean label Wohn Records did a reissue in 2010 faithful to the original Deram pressing.
"The enthusiastic melodies of the bass lingers in the background while the adventurous guitars defy traditions of songstructure..."
The sound of the reissued vinyl record is surprisingly good. The enthusiastic melodies of the bass lingers in the background while the adventurous guitars defy traditions of songstructure in a crisp and clear manner that perfectly captures the easy-going attitude of the group's demeanor and songwriting. The vinyl feels quite rigid, but with the black labels on either side you really have no way to know which side is A or B. It's a rather annoying oversight, but nothing that a small sticker won't fix.
The album has a little something for everybody. Their cover of Hitchcock Railway is competent, energetic and gritty while their own single Bad Lands of Ardguth stands out as a brilliant folk piece with hints of the progressive approach many bands during that decade had. On This New Day is greatly varied, but only to the point where it remains a fun listen throughout without any dangerous detours. Lovers of obscure early 70s rock music should definitely look these Irishmen up.
The album has a little something for everybody. Their cover of Hitchcock Railway is competent, energetic and gritty while their own single Bad Lands of Ardguth stands out as a brilliant folk piece with hints of the progressive approach many bands during that decade had. On This New Day is greatly varied, but only to the point where it remains a fun listen throughout without any dangerous detours. Lovers of obscure early 70s rock music should definitely look these Irishmen up.
8/10
Released in 1971 by Deram (UK) // Polydor (Germany)
Links
No comments:
Post a Comment