| Review: |
The world is changing and Martin Orford doesn't like it!
With the advent of digital downloading and the ever present
internet, Martin sees the music business changing in ways
which he feels erodes the validity of what he is doing, making
music more a disposable commodity rather than an art form
to be experienced and cherished. For that reason he is getting
out! Having quit his band IQ and now releasing this final
music statement, he is calling it a day. We are poorer for
that decision. But this album is both a fitting final achievement
and a perfect example of why he is making this his swan song.
The music is gloriously English 70's retro prog utilising
the instruments and sounds of those times, realised with an
all star cast (well, within prog circles) which includes members
of Spock's Beard, Arena, Jadis and IQ as well as key vocal
contributions from John Wetton on a couple of tracks. Lyrically
the mood is also reflective and nostalgic for days gone by
and an ever changing England which Martins sees as losing
its inherent character, charm and traditions.
Its obvious Martin has taken a "what the hell" attitude
with this album and just gone out to make music in the style
he loves listening too and playing. The results are hugely
enjoyable. The music is bristling with great hooks and the
playing by all involved is superb, especially the Spock's
Beard rhythm section. The highlight is easily the lengthy
"The Time and The Season", wonderfully sung by John Wetton
and containing one of those brilliant instrumental codas that
prog can do so well.
For those of a certain age this album will strike a highly
resonant chord. Evoking times when the likes of "Voyage of
the Acolyte", "Trick of the Tail" and "Wind and Wuthering"
(I think you know where I am coming from) were so important!
At this time of year, go for a drive in the country,
put this disc on, enjoy the changing season and maybe you
will understand why Martin is saying goodbye!
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