This psychedelic and progressive band was formed in Durban, South Africa, during 1969 and only last two years. They only released these two albums, both in 1970: “Totum” and “Silver Trees”. The last one was a limited edition (only 500 copies), which make it a very rare item today.
TOTUM
Original released on LP Uptight – STIC 101
(SOUTH AFRICA, 1970)
While the tracks basically constitute a cover album that include jazz standards such as “Summertime” and “Comin’ Home Baby” along with 60s psych pop takes on Donovan tracks suchs as “Jersey Thursday” and “Fat Angel,” it does contain one original tune “Total Totum (Acid Raga)” which churns out the stoned hippie effect complete with George Harrison inspired sitar improvisations which bring the guru seeking dope-inspired 60s to mind where every musician suddenly found “god” and needed to express their oneness with the divine in musical prose that proffered salvation through a jam session that suggested the need for stoned out participations to be the ticket to ride. While not a necessary prerequisite to imbibe the bounties of the intoxicating universe to enjoy this, it certainly helps to understand where the band was coming from in its approach to tackling their musical visions. While “Totum” is a perfectly enjoyable listen it does seem to ruminate a bit too much over the efforts of others and not really effective in making a musical statement of its own. Even with the final “Acid Raga” track which finishes the effort as the band’s sole original statement it doesn’t quite hit the mark in proffering the promised pastures of originality that we could hope to hear in the fertile crossroads of the year 1970. While everything is competently performed with hints of English folk, Krautish psychedelic overtones and overt tributes to past masters, this one just seems to fall short in terms of consistency but nothing on here is unpleasant in the least.
SILVER TREES
Original released on LP EMI Parlophone – PCSJ(D) 12065
(SOUTH AFRICA, 1970)
"Silver Trees" is a complete set of originals but still very steeped in the 60s vibe with ample touches of folk, it adds more elements of jazz rock to the mix. The opener “Pollution” is the perfect mix of all of the elements on board as it begins with a typical 60s folk sound but is then joined by a bombastic groovy bass line which hangs around for the majority of the album and one of its best features. It also ushers in the fluttering flute sounds and organ ambience before half way through totally shifting gears and heading into a funky guitar and saxophone solo treat. Tracks like “All The Same” remind me a bit of Cat Stevens with a ska band at first but then becomes a spaced out psychedelic rock track. Once again the bass is solid and the backbone of the entire sound. “Original Man” has a rather Jethro Tull type of progressive folk progression but unfortunately Kenny Henson lacked the vocal prowess of an Ian Anderson and leaves the track a little lukewarm. The title track is the true psychedelic progressive treat of the album not only for an extended length of over eight minutes but for its dreamy and spaced out organ runs and early jazz-rock sounds that remind me of the earliest days of Caravan. “In a Space” sounds more like a John Coltrane tribute than anything else on the album but includes a sort of wah-wah guitar sound that adds some psychedelic touches. “Moving Away” includes harpsichord and is basically a simple psychedelic folk track. “Two” includes the same elements as well but a way more forgettable listening experience. “Blue Wednesday” has a Beatle-esque guitar lick that reminds me of “She’s So Heavy” and is a catchy pop song and is another favorite of the album despite its blatant influence. “It’s Alright With Me” picks up steam and ends the album with a heavier jazz-rocker but really should have been extended to build up to some sort of crescendo.
