Thursday 2 January 2020

Indian Summer - INDIAN SUMMER***

God Is The Dog/Emotions Of Men/Glimpse/Half Changed Again/Black Sunshine/From The Film Of The Same Name/Secrets Reflected/Another Tree Will Grow

Self titled sole album from the Coventry progressive band Indian Summer. They wrote all their own songs to some acclaim, but like many other groups of the period they very quickly disbanded.

“Its subtle, keyboards led progressive with an often melancholy vibe, and strong, personal vocals. The songs are well written, the progressive nature of the music doesn't overshadow the songwriting. These are real songs, not mere jamming or flashy complex technical stuff that doesn't go anywhere.”

“Outstanding prog rock - there are some great guitar and organ solos but the vocals are a bit difficult to swallow. This is a typical prog rock LP from this time and place, one great album and poof, they are gone.”

“This short lived UK band delivered some of the finest progressive rock songs of the early 70s with this album. All of the songs are their own material. I really can't name any clear highlights because the whole album is so overwhelmingly strong. The instrumental work is fantastic and I really dig the vocals too. This album actually doesn't have any weak spots.”

“This is generally a great album that manages to be great prog without sounding like it's being prog just for the sake of being prog. It all feels so natural and cool.”

“A very strong effort from this, all but, unknown English band. The song-writing is pretty good with no clunkers. The vocalist does have a somewhat idiosyncratic delivery. When he's not forcing it he's fine but when he does strain, a not very welcome level of vibrato kicks in. There are lots of pretty nice Hammond work, both backing and as a solo instrument.”

Indian Summer is among the most underrated LPs from early 70s, heavy prog with a lot to offer, from keyboard driving interplays to soaring guitars and good vocal parts. I was really impressed by their structures and excellent musicianship. They also manage to create something of real interest for prog listeners, with some very fine moments. They play a typical early '70s heavy prog with long instrumental passages, keyboard meets guitar interplays and solid bass lines over it.”

“At the very least, Indian Summer is a valuable period piece. At best it is an essential nugget from the British progressive scene of the early 70s.”

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