Tranquility — Silver 1972 (UK,prog- Psychedelic-Folk Rock)

Tranquility — Silver 1972 (UK,prog- Psychedelic-Folk Rock)

Having garnered a spot opening for The Byrds during a brief 1972 US tour, the band's unexpected American success saw Epic Records offer them an opportunity to record a follow-up album. Heading back to England, the band went through a couple of personnel changes that saw drummer Eric Dillon replaced by Paul Francis, bassist Paul Leverton replaced by Bernard Hagley, and the addition of lead guitarist/singer Berkley Wright. Produced by Ashley Koyaks, 1972's "Silver" didn't mark a major change in musical direction from their debut.

Epic clearly spent a little more money on the recording sessions (at least allowing the band to buy a couple of synthesizers for Tony Lukyn - check out the opener 'Eagle Eye'), which served to give the album a fuller sound. With singer/lead guitarist Terry Shaddick again handling most of the writing chores (keyboardist Lukyn contributing the country-tinged ballad 'LInda'), the album found the band trying to find a musical sweet spot between blatantly commercial and hipper, rock oriented numbers. Their musicianship remained impeccable - how many bands can claim three talented guitarists, let alone three good lead singers? And that may well have been their downfall. Pop fans were probably put off by their more rock oriented moves, while rock fans probably wanted little to do with their country, or pop moves. In practical terms the overall impact was minimal, which meant if you admired the debut, the follow-up (which only saw a US release), was probably going to appeal to you as well.

Eagle Eye' started the album off with a melodic rocker. Kicked along by some nice jangle rock guitars, the song showcased Shaddick's knack for pretty and catchy melodies, as well as the band's patented lush harmony vocals. Opening up with a slightly dreamy, almost lysergic quality, the mid-tempo ballad 'Can I See You' was one of the album highlights. 01. Eagle Eye - 0:00

02. Can I See You - 3:57

03. Linda - 9:47

04. Whip Wheel - 13:54

05. The Driver's Engine - 19:11

06. Couldn't Possibly Be - 22:55

07. Nice And Easy - 27:18

08. Dear Oh Dear - 30:36

09. Silver - 34:01

10. The Tree - 41:28


Personnel:

Berkeley Wright - lead guitar, vocals
Terry Shaddick – lead guitar, acoustic guitar, lead vocals
Kevin McCarthy - rhythm guitar, vocals
Bernard Hagley - bass, flute
Tony Lukyn – vocals, electric piano, acoustic piano, clavinet, vibraphone, organ, mellotron
Paul Francis - drums, percussion
+
Ashley Kozak – producer



⚠ If there are any copyright issues please contact me. I will remove the video.
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use"