Purson – “The Circle and the Blue Door” (2013)

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Label: Rise Above Records/Metal Blade Records

Review by Matteo Bussotti

Have you ever heard of Baroque ‘n’ Roll? No? Then you don’t know about Purson! This band from London really, really put out an excellent album. I don’t know how else to define it. Of course, I’ll say this from the beginning: for definition, Purson‘s sound is nothing new, so don’t approach this album expecting to hear something that will make your head explode because you’ve never heard something like this before.

Instead, if you really love 60s and 70s psychedelic rock, you’ll fall in love with this album immediately, I warn you. The thing I appreciated the most about “The Circle and the Blue Door” is that every song, every note, every nuance, every rhythm is crafted perfectly to recreate the sound from which Purson get their inspiration. It truly sounds like an album recorded in 1972 and discovered only today. You don’t find much dedication in many bands these days, especially when they have to sound like a particular band, or genre.

Odd meters, crunchy but graceful guitars, psychedelic lyrics, crazy outfits, they’re all there, you’ll find all these things in Purson. And it’s great. Talking briefly about the album, it is not a release which stands out for any particular reason, it’s a normal-sounding rock album…”normal” among those released in the 70s. Listening to it now is a great experience, absolutely not as common as you’d think, bearing in mind that this was released this year, and not 40 years ago. It’s a damn great rock album: as I said, you won’t find anything new in here, but you’ll enjoy every second listening to it. Special mention for “Leaning on a Bear” and “The Contract”: go check their videos on Purson‘s youtube channel! They’re great, really moody and psychedelic (even though I don’t remember HD being an habit for 60s and 70s music videos).

If you’re into this kind of music, “The Circle and The Blue Door” is an absolute must-listen for you. Or, simply, if you enjoy beautiful female voices…you have to listen to this album. It’s interesting to see how more and more bands decide to pick back genres from the past, rather than going all to electronic music, dubstep, wub-wub and all those things. It’s…a beacon of hope, almost. Good, I really love the past, so it’s no surprise that I particularly loved Purson; I’m sure you’ll love them too!

Rating – 87/100

 

Tracklist

  1. Wake Up Sleepy Head
  2. The Contract
  3. Spiderwood Farm
  4. Sailor’s Wife’s Lament
  5. Leaning on a Bear
  6. Tempest and the Tide
  7. Mavericks and Mystics
  8. Well Spoiled Machine

 

Line Up

  • Rosalie Cunningham – Vocals, Lead Guitar
  • George Hudson- Guitars, Backing Vocals
  • Samuel Shove – Organ, Mellotron, Wurlitzer
  • Justin Smith – Bass
  • Jack Hobbs – Drums

 

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