STONE MINT #168 of 300 MADE "COUNTRY LANE" "SUBSTRAATUM" POWERFUL PROG PSYCH

$

100

     IMPACT and LEGENDARY UNDERGROUND PSYCH        ..|/\|...............................................|/\|..                          
           
               ~ Country Lane ~
                "Substraatum"
            ..|/\|...............................................|/\|..                                        Europe - Private press


#168 of only 300 copies made...
MINT and still in factory cellophane
This one is quite rare being only 300 copies issued some 20+ years ago - a very strong 2nd-press with phenomenal quality of the ultra-rare & noted "killer" progressive/psych swirler, loaded with impressive organ/guitar moves throughout every track , top-layered by talented song writing, decidedly exciting/thrilling self penned material with glowing nod to the multi $$$ hundreds the rare first issue commands.

Again, this issue, for whatever reason, is on-par audio wise to the "Splendid" '73 label release.
COUNTRY LANE, not to be confused being anything about "country" music were a formidable top-rated progressive psych band originating from Switzerland featuring a classic British early '70s style. One of two remarkable bands on the Swiss "Splendid" label, the other, being "Pacific Sound" who released the superior $500+++ '73 LP "Forget Your Dream."
The album is opened by With a Sweet Whistle to my Ears, a track that starts with an EL&P sound that soon fades behind the power of distorted guitars and swirling organ that is clearly influenced by the strength of Deep Purple/Uriah Heep. In this opening song, COUNTRY LANE blends early '70s gushing Hammond organ U.K. underground influences and moods. The vocals by Raymond Amey are heavy but at the same time clear, overall a really strong opener that captivates the listener with underlying infectious melody.

It's Only Your Memory Playing Just The thought Of A First Love is quite different, from the first notes you'll notice a strong psychedelic-rock influence which morphs into some sort a catchy power ballad enhanced by elaborate timing and radical changes.

Substratum is a 1:46 minutes interlude in which for the first time the band features  elaborate vocal work, but after a few seconds you may notice they were re-creating that mysterious sound that the first URIAH HEEP LP created. Almost immediately is the turn for In the Morning Sun, a song that moves from fluid and soft to extremely heavy and frantic, some sort of heavy-psych blended with memorable melodic Progressive.

Good Old Time is just a joke, after a bizarre introduction they start playing a 12 bar tune with jazz-blues harmony; saloon piano and funny voices, not to be taken seriously but still some fun.

Song to Ivan marks a radical change, unlike the previous tracks they stay more in the Symphonic Prog realm without leaving totally behind their heavy-rock nature, the keys, drums and bass interplay is really fantastic. The Hammond organ solo around the fourth minute followed by a powerful guitar is to be considered 'breathtaking.' Maybe the best song from the album.

Letter to a Friend and Captain Bloom are two sides of the same coin, well developed songs linked by a common concept and even when the second one is more melodic, both tracks are incredibly fluid with killer organ/guitar & infectious song craft, but not exempt of radical changes.

The album ends with the short Lilliput's Safari another high point of the alum, after a beautiful piano intro the band hits us with all they have in the most heavy-rock effort - a great album closer.

It's hard not to feel the need to rate "Substratum" as an essential collectible,so remains highly recommended.

With A Sweet Whistle To My Ears (6:21)
It's Only Your Memory Playing Just The thought of a First Love (2:36)
Substratum (1:47)
In the Morning Sun (3:26)
Good Old Time (2:36)
The Disgusting Story of the Captain Bloom
Song To Ivan (7:00)
Letter to a Friend (7:39)
Captain Bloom (2:39)
Lilliput's Safari (2:16)


- Raymond Amey / guitars, synthesizers, vocals
- Olivier Maire / organ, piano, spinet, vocals
- Jean-Francois Donze / drums
- Giancarlo Duella / bass
- Freddy Von Kaenel / rhythm guitar

.....

CONDITION: The cover: rated: stone MINT in factory cellophane ... TOP COPY numbered on backside (#168 of 300 made) ...there are no delete marks, no split seams, no bends, and no writing  ...

The vinyl: Rated: MINT...perfect, plays perfect with dynamic sound quality and  both labels are clean       A cool addition to anyone's music library!






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