Jade Warrior's sophomore release continues their unique blend of psychedelic hard rock and world fusion. Of the former style, highlights include the eye opening 'Three Horned Dragon', 'Eyes on You', and 'Minnamoto's Dream'. The latter is one of the album's peak moments and probably is the track that most represents the debut album. The best track for my tastes is the stunningly beautiful jazz / world / rock piece 'Water Curtain Cave' which sounds as if lifted straight from Nucleus' Elastic Rock sessions. 'Yellow Eyes' closes the album in a similar mellow fashion. The 15 minute 'Barazinbar' seamless mixes all these styles into one wonderful psychedelic jam and is clearly the album's centerpiece. Only misstep is the dull rock-n-roll 'Reason to Believe' and is completely out of place here. Otherwise a very fine album, and comes highly recommended.
Ownership: LP: 1974 Vertigo (USA). Gatefold. Spaceship label. Acquired at the Colorado Springs Record Show (2023)
CD: 2005 Air Mail (Japan). Papersleeve edition that replicates the very cool 6 part multi-fold out cover. comes in a Disc Union promo box set with the first three Vertigo albums (the debut is the cover). Given the quiet nature of these albums, I probably will keep both editions.
2005; 9/3/15 (new entry); 12/2/23 (LP addition)
2005; 9/3/15 (new entry); 12/2/23 (LP addition)
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