Triptych is The Bevis Frond's 3rd proper studio album not counting comps and the like. The deal with Nick Saloman is he brings forth 2 distinct types of music to most of his recordings. The first is what I'll call "straight songs". While ostensibly from the neo psych school, I've found the music to be more toward the alternative/indie/college rock sound of the 80s. The singing tends to be flat and monotone, missing out on the wonderful harmonies of the 60s. Not to mention a lack of melodies in general. The music just sort of lays there, strumming chords, and plowing through each song, each duller than the last. The other side of The Bevis Frond is the jam element. And it's here that Saloman and Co really shine. He has a real knack for providing intense solos where needed, or creating the proper Kosmiche atmosphere - with a creaky old organ no less - so as to set the table for these solos. In effect I think he's a masterful psychedelic guitarist, more of the early 70s school... ...and a very generic songwriter. I realize not everyone will agree with me here, so for those of you who have a similar disposition to mine, then the albums you want to seek out are the ones with the most instrumental impact.
And Triptych is that album. In fact I'd say the very best of his entire catalog which is quite extensive (at least of those I've heard, which is most). Tracks like 'Into the Cryptic Mist', 'Phil Exorcises the Daemons', and 'Tangerine Infringement Beak' are great examples of this. There's even one fine "straight" song this time in 'The Daily Round'.
If you're looking for the right place to start with the Frond, and your background is more of a "head" who enjoys psychedelic in the cosmic Krautrock sense of the word, then I suggest you start right here with Triptych.
Personal collection
CD: 2001 Rubric (USA)
My first copy was the original US LP on Reckless purchased upon release. But at the time I didn't appreciate the contents and moved it out rather quickly. Many years later I picked up the CD. Which is the way to go as it features 6 very good and relevant bonus tracks.
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