Week of March 14, 2004

Icarus

Personnel:
Peter Curtain - Drums
Norrie Devine - Sax, Flute, Clarinet
David Plotel - Guitar
John Plotel - Bass
Steve Hart - Vocals
Iain Hines - Keyboards
Jimmy Wiley - Bass

Also:
John Etheridge - Guitar (not on the LP)
Glyn Havard - (on the single, later with Jade Warrior)
Richard Hudson (on the single, later with Strawbs)
John Ford (on the single, later with Strawbs)

Album:
The Marvel World Of Icarus (Pye NSPL 28161) 1972 (re-pressed in 1997)
CD: Play Loud PL 28161, 1997 and Sunrise 31103022

45:
The Devil Rides Out/You're In Life (Spark SRL 1012) 1968
Love Is A Thing/Things Thing (Grit 102)

Each of the players on this fast-rocking album with a strong progressive touch presents themselves as comic character, ranging from Spiderman via Conan the Barbarian to the Hulk. The lyrics likewise deal with the vicissitudes of these heroes, lending the album a comparatively agreeable degree of fun. As the instrumental and vocal abilities of the band are no less than good, the only flaw is the lack of outstanding compositions, although a few highlights are present nonetheless. These include the scary intro to 'Hulk', the propelling rhythms of 'Conan The Barbarian', almost all flute parts, almost all of the opening track on the B-side, 'Thor' and the slightly psychedelic 'Silver Surfer'. All in all fun to listen to, though a bit overestimated.

Etheridge went on briefly to the Soft Machine.

Compilation appearances have included: 'The Devil Rides Out' on 'Rubble Vol.11' (CD) and 'The Best Of Rubble Collection Vol.2' (CD); 'You're In Life' on 'Voyage Through The Sugarcube' (LP & CD).

(Marcel Koopman)

Taken from The Tapestry of Delights - The Comprehensive Guide to British Music of the Beat, R&B, Psychedelic and Progressive Eras 1963-1976, Vernon Joynson
ISBN 1 899855 04 1


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