Abstract Truth ~ South Africa

Silver Trees + Totum (1970)

Abstract Truth were an underground band from South Africa during the heady days when Johannesburg looked to rival London and New York for global rock supremacy. Their debut Totum is named after a club the group labored in to eek out a living. The folk pieces here are a bit ordinary and the abundance of cover tunes doesn't help convince. All the same, there are some extended cosmic journeys and other odd compositions that go a long way to making this a desirable listen, especially considering the sitar drenched closer.

Silver Trees sees Abstract Truth improving the composition and inventiveness quotient. Here you'll find a mixture of song based folk rock and lengthy instrumental journeys. The album contains some real gems including the title track, and in particular, 'In a Space'.

Ownership: 2005 Fresh Music (CD). Booklet with extensive liner notes. In order to fit both albums on one CD, Fresh left off 'Jersey Thursday' and 'Ain't Necessarily So / Take Five'. At 52 minutes, the Totum original was quite lengthy for its time. Acquired in 2006.

1997; 2006; 8/21/18; 1/18/20 (review / new entry)