18.05.2008.
Arcadium - Breathe a While (1969) (@256)
(Review from progarchives.com)
Arcadium were a late 60's psychedelic band fronted by songwriter, 12-string guitarist and lead vocalist Miguel Sergides. Like many, they played the clubs until a small label by the name of Middle Earth - who released a whopping total of five albums - finally approached them. In 1969, "Breathe Awhile" was issued on an LP, the only album the band ever recorded.
Arcadium's ominous, cathedral-like organ, distorted guitar and anguished vocals are clearly derivative of bands such as the Doors, Iron Butterfly and Vanilla Fudge -- very much in the 'downer-heavy' school of the genre that was popular at the time. The album is something of a bad-trip soundtrack that relies on minor-key melodies, ghostly harmonies and anguished vocals. The music's intensity and sense of urgency, the blazing acid-drenched guitars, the tortured vocals and heavy nightmarish sounds all perfectly convey the late 60's atmosphere.
Fans of heavy psychedelia in search of a genuine dose of 60s will love this band.
Line-up :
- Graham Best / bass, vocals
- Allan Ellwood / organ, vocals
- John Albert Parker / drums
- Robert Ellwood / lead guitar, vocals
- Miguel Sergides / 12-string guitar, vocals
Track List :
01. I'm On My Way - 11:51
02. Poor Lady - 3:59
03. Walk On The Bad Side - 7:35
04. Woman Of A Thousand Years - 3:39
05. Change Me - 4:47
06. It Takes A Woman - 3:53
07. Birth, Life And Death - 10:19
08. Sing My Song - 4:18
09. Riding Alone - 2:49
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