Purson - Desire's Magic Theatre. 2016 England

Purson’s second album, like spiritual sisters’ Blood Ceremony, finds the band going further back in time from their prior album. So if The Circle and the Blue Door was their recreating of 1971, then Desire’s Magic Theatre is their homage to 1969. This is a rather straightforward psych album, where the progressive rock influences are becoming more rubbed out. That’s not to say the album is without thought or merit – far from it – in fact had it come out in 1969, it would be hailed as a period semi-masterpiece. Rosalie Cunningham is obviously gaining confidence, and this is her band, no more questions asked. Their sound still fits squarely into my Post psychedelic, proto progressive with female vocals list – though this time they border outright Jefferson Airplane/Savage Rose-like psychedelia at times. ‘Electric Landlady’ is not only a funny title, but it is indeed Hendrixian. And while I do like the album, I would hope for some more creativity the next go ‘round. This one plays it too safe, and the songs aren’t memorable enough to sustain interest over repeated listens. Purson certainly have the potential for better.

2/10/17 (new entry); 6/25/22 (removed from collection)

Purson - The Circle & The Blue Door. 2013 England

Starting with strummed acoustic guitar, followed by flute mellotron, shimmering cymbals, and phased female vocals - yea ALRIGHT we're in 1971 again! Do I look like I'm complaining? Helllll, no. A heavy bass run, more mellotron, acoustic guitar, and there it is, heavy organ and psychedelic guitar. Cool, I'm happy. What's for dinner?

Purson is more early 70s rock than progressive rock, and in reality, it fits quite nicely in my Proto Prog with Female Vocals list.

If any of the above remotely interests you, then of course you'll want to own this. Another winner from Rise Above!

Ownership: CD: 2013 Rise Above

5/18/13 (new entry)