I've spoken at length about Rainbow Theatre's sophomore effort Fantasy of Horses, but never did get around to putting any notes down for their debut The Armada. It's a similar style effort, a bit more unfocused and has less impact, but still a fascinating listen. In effect Rainbow Theatre is a combination of royal classical, progressive rock, and horn rock. Keith Hoban's vocals are operatic, and Julian Browning leads the group with his guitar, mellotron, and songwriting. There are two key lengthy tracks (each with four subsections) and three shorter ones sandwiched in between. The opener 'The Darkness Motive' is the winner here given its fast pace, heavy instrumentation, and constantly moving parts. It would be this track that provided the blueprint for Fantasy of Horses. As stated in the review for this second album, there really was (or is) no band like Rainbow Theatre, as unique a group as there ever has been. And it's not experimental, but rather they carved out their niche inside the confines of what is known and accepted.Ownership:
1975 Clear Light of Jupiter (LP). Gatefold
2006 Aztec (CD). Tri-fold digipack, filled with liner notes, photos, and memorabilia. As with Fantasy of Horses, the bonus track is a modern classical piece composed by Browning.
1998 (acquired); 1999; 9/10/20; 1/28/21 (review)
Fantasy of Horses (1976)
There are few albums that we can truly point to as being wholly original, but Rainbow Theatre’s second album would have to qualify. Not to say it uses made up scales or instruments, but within the common boundaries of what is considered melodic music, Australia’s Rainbow Theatre have most certainly created their own room in the house. An operating 8 piece rock unit (keyboards, guitar, bass, drums, trumpet, sax, trombone and flute) accompanied by a string sextet, Fantasy of Horses makes full use of the large palette of instrumentation available, not to mention that Keith Hoban’s vocals are sung in operatic style. Overall it’s a spirited affair, not an academic high-brow run through, so rockers have much to sink their teeth into. In fact, the drumming is astounding, and propels the album to great heights of intensity. The four tracks presented here, including two lengthy multi-part affairs, chock full of mellotron and high invention, are a progressive rock lovers dream. At least for those who keep an open mind.
As well, an unusual bonus track has been added - a recent full-on classical work written by bandleader Julian Browning, that is the perfect conclusion to the rocked out album proper. I cannot think of too many albums where that would make sense, but naturally it would be apropos here.
As well, an unusual bonus track has been added - a recent full-on classical work written by bandleader Julian Browning, that is the perfect conclusion to the rocked out album proper. I cannot think of too many albums where that would make sense, but naturally it would be apropos here.
---1/18/20 (update)
The original LP I own is a gift from Julian Browning himself after seeing my review of the CD (above). A personal treasure because of that. The cover says it's on Clear Light of Jupiter while the label says RTM (Rainbow Theatre Music?) with a different catalog number.
Ownership:
1976 Clear Light of Jupiter / RTM (LP)
2006 Aztec (CD). Multi foldout digi-pak with a full history and artwork. Includes one bonus track (detailed above).
1997 (first acquired); 10/2/06 (review)
1/18/20 (new entry)
The label you are showing RTM 783 ,1976 in the Clear Light Of Jupiter Sleeve , was this actually released in 1976 or is it a later pressing ?
ReplyDeleteAccording to Discogs (and Popsike), this is the only LP pressing. https://www.discogs.com/release/6977038-Rainbow-Theatre-Fantasy-of-Horses
DeleteDo you know of another one? I always wondered if there was a small earlier pressing with the blue label.
Thanks for the question!