Description
PENDRAGON: The Jewel Pendragon first full-length studio release could serve as the model for the stereotypical “neo-prog” album. Clive Nolan hadn’t joined the band yet, but I enjoy Rik’s keyboard work on this album. His leads are tasty and melodic. It complements Nick guitar well. Nick guitar playing is typical of neo-prog, in a Genesis kinda way with crystally arpeggios, fuzzy power chords, melodic leads. The compositions are around six minutes long, give or take a few. There a pretty energetic “rock” tendency that I believe has pretty much disappeared from their music. Themes come and go and develop at a comfortable pace, nothing too jarring or lagging. They’re not horribly complex or intense, but there quite a bit of interplay between the keyboards and guitar, and the melodies are nice enough to keep me interested. Points of comparison here are Genesis (circa Duke), a little Marillion, and a helping of Rush from around that time. If you’re into quality neo- prog, I recommend giving this a try. The Jewel, Pendragon’s first full length studio album is considered today something of a classic. Contains what have become anthemic tracks by Pendragon “Leviathan”, “Alaska” and of course “The Black Knight” which became a call to be heard regularly chanted in London’s Marquee Club, and a song still achieving high votes in favourite Pendragon track polls.
Released in 1985
Nick Barrett, vocals, guitars; Rik Carter, keyboards; Peter Gee, basses, guitars, bass pedals; Nigel Harris, drums, percussion
Tracklist:
1. Higher Circles 3:29 (a very progressive song with the typical Pendragon guitar sound and the more typical Nick Barrett vocals).
2. The Pleasure of Hope 3:43 (a more romantic song with a melancholic approach)
3. Leviathan 6:13 (This is the all-time Pendragon fans favourite and is still played at their concerts nowadays)
4. Alaska – 8:39 (Alaska is divided in two pieces At Home With The Earth and Snowfall. It is one of my all-time favourites; very good keyboards and a very good composition)
5. Circus – 6:34 (a very dramatic song with great instrumental parts and breaks)
6. Oh Divineo – 6:51
7. The Black Knight – 9:57 (Pendragon masterpiece and is still loved by Pendragon and progrock lovers nowadays!)
8. Fly High Fall Far – 4:56
9. Victims of Life – 6:53
total time 57:15
We have a neo prog album of the mid 80 here. It definitely sounds like Marillion, as revealed by the numerous moog solos and the clean & melodic electric guitar sound. However, the drums and bass are much more complex and faster, sometimes falling into a marvellous fusion style. The lead vocals are very emotional, unique and insistent; also there is always this floating fresh & urban texture of keyboards that lightens the rest of the music. Those 2 elements contribute to enhance the overall value of this record. On “”Alaska””, the most fusion track, just listen to the fretless bass and the fast drums: they fit well with the pleasant floating keyboards and guitar solos: it is absolutely delightful! Check for the best track on this record: “”Circus””: it is amazingly progressive and the sustained echoed guitar solo combined with the powerful bass and fast cymbals are speechless!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Pendragon – The Jewel
Label: Elusive Records
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: UK
Released: 1985
Genre: Rock
Style: Prog Rock
Tracklist
A1 Higher Circles 3:22
A2 The Pleasure Of Hope 3:34
A3 Leviathan 6:00
A4 Alaska 8:20
B1 Circus 6:18
B2 Oh Divineo 6:35
B3 The Black Knight 9:35
Line-up / Musicians
– Nick Barrett / vocals, guitars
– Rik Carter / keyboards
– Peter Gee / basses, guitars, bass pedals
– Nigel Harris / drums, percussion
Oh my, what an underrated album! One of Pendragon best in my opinion, and it deserves a lot more credit than it currently owns! There are no weak songs on this album, despite what people may think, and although they are not to everyone tastes, they just need time to settle in. Only then will they realise the glory enclosed within this amazing disk. The highlights are without a doubt Leviathan, Alaska, Black Knight and Fly High Fall Far, however all are worth listening to. There is without doubt a strong rock influence here, however that just makes it more listenable to me. Worth every penny spent.
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