Fuchsia

Interesting times in the world of prog with some of the, and with the greatest of respect to them, lesser lights of the late 60s and early 70s something of a comeback. The likes of Comus and Cressida enjoying something of an Indian summer, and now we have Fuschia.

Fuchsia formed in 1970, released one album and then disbanded. That album has gone on to become, a cult classic, and was recently re-evaluated to prog classic status. This, and maybe and element of unfinished business, is why band leader Tony Durant decided to record this new album.

Overall, there’s not a lot there that will come as a surprise to prog and folk aficionados, as it features the usual traits of the genre. Slightly more unusual is the use of strings on almost every track, either to the fore or working behind the lines, but clearly not an arranger’s afterthought, just listen to them on The Waves. The vibe of the album is generally pretty upbeat. Take the sauntering rhythms of Melancholy Road and the outright folk of Fuchsia Song. Elsewhere, I’ll Remember Her Face is a lovely song featuring some subtle accordion. Rainbow Song is one of the standouts of the album with its snaking themes.

Another highlight is Piper At The Gates Of Time, its dirgy strings giving the song a darker hue, and closing the album on a relatively downbeat note, nice guitar solo though. Also, and they may be a bit of an acquired taste, Durant’s almost semi-spoken vocals, are integral to the album, deftly catching the mood and character of the songs.

Hopefully we won't have to wait another forty years for the next album.