This is an 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. Album was originally released in 1973 on PYE records
progressive imprint Dawn. Fruup were a 1970 progressive rock band, which
originated in Belfast, Northern Ireland, but developed a fan base in
Great Britain. They were relatively popular, particularly on the student
scene and as a supporting act for such bands as Genesis, King Crimson
and Queen. Future Legends was their debut album and is one of those
records that any fan of symphonic prog should have!'Future Legends'
opens with the title track, a short classical piece of music which acts
as a prelude to 'Decision', a lively and rumbunctious number that
gallups along nicely with a pounding rhythm and builds up to an
impressively rousing finale. An awesome opening to the album. 'As Day
Breaks with Dawn' follows next, with a melodic classically-inspired
opening, which breaks out into a powerful thrumming Genesis-like number
with the singer sounding remarkably like Peter Gabriel. Yes, we're
definitely in Genesis territory here, with a somewhat heavier sound, and
very good it is too. Track 4 'Graveyard Epistle', a song which begins
as a melodic ballad before breaking out into some very proggy, heavy and
intense riffing. In true prog fashion, there are constant changes of
tempo, staccato breaks and a few key changes thrown in too, to keep the
listener entertained and enthralled. Side Two opens with 'Lord of the
Incubus'. It's a grand-sounding title and the music is impressively
grand too, Again, it sounds like a song Genesis could have recorded in
their classic prog years. There's a thumping rhythm section and the
guitarist is really in his element here as he demonstrates his
virtuosity with some masterly soloing. 'Olde Tyme Future' has a more
sedate pace, with some beautifully melodic keyboard motifs. The cryptic
lyrics are shrouded in mystery but with music this good, who cares about
the lyrics anyway!? 'Song for a Thought'. is a seven and a half minute
long magnum opus which opens in fine rollicking style and then
transposes into a laid-back mellow and melodic groove in the middle
section. before the resounding and reverberant grand finale, which might
just blow your socks off. It's melodic, it's dramatic, and it'll leave
you feeling euphoric. The final song is a brief and gentle vocal reprise
of the classical title track which opened the album. It's a perfect
ending to a magical album full of proggy tales of mystery and
imagination. Bonustrack On A Clear Day has a sensational rhythmic verse,
the song ends with a tribute to Gustav Holst by playing a segment from
Jupiter on the guitar. The band would use classical influences regularly
in songs to come. This is a very impressive debut album from this
Northern Irish band that's likely to appeal to fans of the classic Peter
Gabriel years of Genesis. If you love Genesis's Trespass and Nursery
Cryme, I think you'll enjoy this one. It's hard to pick out a highlight
of the album, because 'Future Legends' is full to the brim with great
songs. If you're looking for a band with the musical talent and melodic
finesse of Genesis with a somewhat heavier edge, then you'll be in prog
heaven with this superb album. This prog masterpiece is such a delight
to listen to that you may be inspired to give Fruupp's following three
albums a spin too. A must-have album for any discerning collector of
classic British prog. Album comes with original artwork and a 4-sided
cover - sized insert with bandstory by ex manager Paul Charles. A must
have!!(Long Hair)
Vincent McCusker - Guitar,
Vocals
Stephen Houston -
Keyboards, Oboe, Vocals
Peter Farrelly - Bass
Guitar, Lead Vocals
Martin Foye - Drums,
Percussion