Band : Polyphony
Album title : Without Introduction
Label : Gear Fab
Distributor : Clearspot
Release date : 2011
Review : CD

Here is a mysterious seventies band that comes out of the blue. Polyphony was a short-lived US outfit active in the early 70's. The band, consisting of Martin Ruddy (bass, vocals), Christopher Spong (drums), Craig Massey (vocals, organ, moog), Glenn Howard (vocals, guitars) and Chatty Cooper (percussion); recorded the album Without Introduction which was released in 1971. The band disbanded soon after the release of this album, which was the only one made by this act. For many years an obscurity sought after by collectors, the album has been available on CD for some time now on Gearfab, which is an independent record label based in Littleton, Colorado. It specializes in the reissue of psychedelic garage folk music and rock from the years 1965 to 1972.

Lots of keyboard action flourishes the 3 songs “Juggernaut” (13.54) “Crimson dagger” (6.54) and “Ariel’s flight” (15.10) on this disc combined with latin percussive beats, technical timing, great vocal singing and incredible guitar playing. It's a unique blend of Yes and ELP, if you can imagine one, but it's never a clone. Due the percussion played with a Santana drive, it may remind one of Captain Beyond. Another honorable influences may include King Crimson and Soft Machine.  The interesting thing here is that you can follow it. It doesn't really go over your head. While the time changes and guitar riffs get goofy, they go over very smoothly and you can really tap your feet to this. Lots of solos or jam sessions are crammed in here.

Cosmicmasseur.