FUCHSIA – From Psychedelia To A Distant Place
aaamusic | On 22, May 2013
British progressive folk rock band Fuchsia, created in 1970, released a self titled debut album which was difficult to categorise. Both strange and intriguing, with charming and intricate string arrangements, it became a cult classic for underground enthusiasts. Stylistically Fuchsia was compared with Jade and Comus.
Formed at Exeter University, the group comprised Tony Durant (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, lead vocals) , Michael Day (bass guitar), Michael Gregory (drums, percussion), Janet Rogers (violin, backing vocals), Madeleine Bland (cello, piano, harmonium, backing vocals) and Vanessa Hall-Smith (violin, backing vocals).
From Psychedelia To A Distant Place, their first release in 40 years, is published on 10th June, 2013 through the Sound Practices label.
The quirky Melancholy Rd. is a cheeky, catchy and light hearted song which is a pleasant and very individual start to the album. In Girl From Kandahar the soft opening changes quickly, evolving into an urgent and magical Eastern number, both addictive and energetic. Crazy Lost Generations is inventive and well produced modern dance music that’s difficult sit down to, whilst the joyous and innovative Fuchsia Song is fresh and upbeat.
It’s probably quite impossible for new material to ‘pick up where the debut left off’, but this fine album is powerful, experimental and full of new ideas. It has an airy and timeless quality which is beautiful and impressive. Intelligent music based on past times can feel current without being pretentious and in this the album is extremely successful.
Track list: 1. Melancholy Rd 2. Girl from Kandahar 3. Lost generations 4. Fuchsia song 5. I’ll remember her face 6. Rainbow song 7. Crossing the big C 8. The waves 9. Piper at the gates
Anthony Weightman
