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FUTURE LEGENDS/SEVEN SECRETS
Many prog-rock fans will have early works by the likes of Yes and Genesis in their collections.
Fruupp are one of their lesser known, although still very enjoyable, contemporaries. Formed in Ireland in 1971, Fruupp were a hard working band - they played an average of 230 gigs a year (regularly opening for Genesis) - and only took enough time off the road for recording four albums. This CD contains most of the first two, and in my opinion the best, of those - the 1973 'Future Legends' and 'Seven Secrets' issued the following year.
Fruupp were Peter Farrelly (bass and lead vocals), Steven Houston (keyboards, oboe, vocals), songwriter Vincent McCusker (guitars, vocals) and Martin Foye (percussion). There were no banks of electronic
keyboards for these guys, the albums were made using only the addition of a string section - this, remember, was the dawn of instrumental technology.
The music has many influences and, listening to it, one can hear many influences this period of music has had on music scene since. Fruupp's sound is more guitar-led than Genesis or Focus; they have inventive
bass-lines - used for effect rather than just rhythm; the string section is delicate, haunting and, in turn, rich and full - always well arranged. I believe that they stand up well to comparisons with
counterparts.
The insert shows all of the original artwork and the photos of the band - did we really think velvet knickerbockers could be cool? - and includes the introductory stories from the album sleeves about a tramp and a
priest (FL) and the planets (SS) as well as the lyrics to a couple of the songs.
Despite the fact that these albums are now twenty five plus years old they still sound fresh.
For anyone who remembers Fruupp I can assure you that it will be well worthwhile giving it another listen - it is also a good introduction to early prog-rock. This is highly recommended.
The last two albums 'The Prince of Heaven's Eyes' and 'Modern Masquerades' are also available on CD from the same company - Cat.No. C5HCD 646. If you cannot get hold of this in a record shop try See For Miles
Records, P.O.Box 328, Maidenhead, Berks. SL6 2NE quoting 'New Horizons'.
Marisa 26/5/99
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