Gryphon - "Red Queen To Gryphon Three" (1974)

This is a groovy album. Instrumental, lots of classical elements - especially medieval ones - and a chess game as concept. Does it sound strange? In the progressive world everything can happen, the limits of what's possible disappear, and the smug listener's self-image as a tolerant, open and accepting person will be put to the test.

But fear not. Red Queen To Gryphon Three is not a diffficult record. On the contrary, despite its belonging to the progressive genre, its four songs that clock in on about ten minutes each, and its somewhat different theme, it's a really great album. And not particularly weird.

Instrumental albums are interesting. They are in a minority (I think), at least if you look at relatively modern music. In the absence of the usual structure of sung verse, verse, chorus, the musical construction becomes different. In the worst case, the structure is too loose and becomes boring. At best, it's a fascinating musical journeys. It can be both evocative and dark or bright and energetic. In my record shelves there are examples of all varieties (it may be mentioned that during the 90s I listened a lot to psychedelic trance, where many songs were excellent examples of evocative creations that dug into the subconscious).

Gryphon was an English progressive band, and today's theme was their third album, and the only one I've got with the band. Apparently, it is seen as one of their best, of five released. The band split in 1977, but performed a concert in 2009. Rumors have long flourished of a new album, and the band plans to tour next year (2015). If this becomes reality remains to be seen (there have been plans before, apparently).

I can recommend this album. Gryphon has created really high quality music, which is just enough different. It never gets too difficult or strange, and the mix of medieval classic tones with more modern sounds works really well. Yes, if the sounds from 1974 is to be seen as modern, of course. I mean in a positive way that this is an interesting album. And I never miss the song.


Tracklist

Side A
1. Opening Move 9:42
2. Second Spasm 8:15

Side B
1. Lament 10:45
2. Checkmate 9:50