Seven Secrets is the second album from Northern Ireland's favorite sons Fruupp. As you will often read, this album has something of a bad reputation and is to be avoided (even 1 star reviews, suggesting it's awful). But honestly I feel it's unwarranted. The first two tracks totaling near 16 minutes are great - very much in line with the 1973 progressive rock landscape. Certainly not as heavy as their debut Future Legends, but then again Fruupp never did go back to that type of sound, similar to Gravy Train and Jonesy in that way. I enjoy 'White Eyes' as well, a bit too orchestrated perhaps, but nonetheless a solid entry. Side 2 kicks off with 'Garden Lady' and yet another 9 minute excellent progressive rock track is presented, following in the footsteps of 'Wise of Wisdom'. And then... it breaks down. But not terrible by any means, just more of an ordinary rock sound with folk and Baroque elements. To my ears, they were foreshadowing their next work The Prince of Heaven's Eyes, which in my mind is the weakest of the Fruupp quartet of albums. 'The Seventh Secret is a throwaway closer, not that dissimilar from many a duff closing moment that talented artists felt compelled to do - for no known reason. As I have mentioned many times in the past, you will find albums that close poorly (and in this case the last 15 minutes), are more likely to receive a negative reaction than those that finish strong - no matter what the contents prior were (Tarkus anyone?). Last impressions I guess.
I see Seven Secrets as a solid effort, with close to 25 minutes of excellent material, and the other 20 as good to very good.
CD: 2004 Arcangelo (Japan)
LP: 1974 Dawn
The CD replicates the original in every way including the textured single cover and original insert. And I also own the Prince box from Disc Union, which is storing all 4 Fruupp's and Demon Fuzz (of all albums). I think Noir's album was part of this set too (another odd choice), and Modern Masquerades wasn't, but I wanted them altogether anyway.
This is the only album by Fruupp that I don't own the original LP. I did have it once, but it wasn't in very good shape and sold it off 25 years ago. I'll buy it again if a nice copy shows up for the right price.
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