Still Life - Still Life


Year of Release: 2003
Label: Akarma Records
Catalog Number: AK 237
Format: LP
Total Time: 40:56:00

The band Still Life was born due to the fragmentation of Rainbows (a late 60s band from Coventry, UK). This LP is a good example of when a group of fine musicians are doing their utmost best yet end up sounding very similar to another band, namely Uriah Heep. They were so similar that I felt they lacked in originality, which is a shame because they were talented. I am sure there were many others like them though. On the other hand, I could be dead wrong about all of this as UH released their first album only one year prior to this so it could be pure coincidence that the two bands sound so similar. In any event, I did enjoy this LP regardless of my perceptions.

The whirling organ and driving guitar are all part of the mix, the mark of early progressive rock atmospheres. They fall short with the vocals; both the lead and harmony are off key at times and not quite smooth enough to fit the music's tempo. The musicianship made up for the inconsistencies.

The eye catching cover art is a bonus and the album comes housed in gatefold sleeves with a grainy black and white shot of the band on the inside with credits and track listings.

Historical notes from the label: The band Rainbows became Still Life due to the drummer P. Wilkinson leaving the band for Flying Machine. There were three musicians remaining ? Amos, Cure, Howells. They changed their name to Still Life and wrote the songs which turned into this album. However, the band did not have a drummer. They contacted Alan Savage to do the session and he had about a week to learn the material prior to recording. The self-titled album was recorded at Sound Recording Studios, near Marble Arch, London.

Originally released by Vertigo, 1971


Tracklisting:
Side One: People In Black (8:17) / Don't Go (4:37) / October Witches (8:06)

Side Two: Love Song No. 6 (I'll Never Love You Girl) (6:37) / Dreams (7:33) / Time (6:26)

Musicians:
Martin Cure - lead vocals
Graham Amos - bass
Terry Howells - organ
Alan Howells - drums

Discography:
Still Life (1971/2003)

Genre: Rock

Origin UK

Added: March 9th 2003
Reviewer: Keith "Muzikman" Hannaleck
Score:
Artist website:
Hits: 1696
Language: english

  

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