Gravy Train
Second Birth (fr)
This is the first official re-release on vinyl under licensed courtesy of BMG Rights Management, UK, remastered from an original master copy out of the vaults of BMG. The album was originally released in 1973 on PYE Records' progressive imprint Dawn. As with all Gravy Train albums guitars are in the forefront with excellent flute, bass, keyboard and drum interplay. The music here is essentially heavy rock with strong prog leanings. The first two tracks 'Morning Coming' and 'Peter' have a driving rhythm and powerful organ at their core. Bands such as Uriah Heep and Atomic Rooster come to mind when hearing the vocal harmonies and ambitious arrangements. This is delightful raunchy prog rock. The mood takes a sudden and surprising change for 'September Morning News', an acoustic ballad with echoes of US folk rock bands such as The Byrds and Crosby Stills and Nash. Some critic note that the strong points on this album are the laid back tracks like 'Tolpuddle Episode', 'September Morning News', 'Strength Of A Dream' and 'Fields And Factories'. On 'Motorway' we move towards the early blues of Jethro Tull, not just through the overt use of flute, but also in terms of the vocal style and instrumental arrangement. This song is an early environmental protest song, which also displays some of band leader Norman Barratt's Christian beliefs. The longest track on the album 'Fields And Factories' continues in a similar theme. At 8½ minutes, the track affords room for some saxplay by J.D. Hughes. 'Strength Of A Dream' takes an unexpected deviation into light acoustic rock, with distorted vocal harmonies and a catchy beat. 'Tolpuddle Episode' tells the tale of the martyrs who tried to set up the first trade union and were deported for their troubles. The story is told very literally, with further CSN harmonies on the choruses. The album closes with the seven minute title track, another heavy grinder which weaves it way through a complex arrangement. Really great stuff! The album comes with insert including bandstory, lyrics and photos. Don't miss this underrated but great album.