Gryphon – Re Invention - Mott the Dog's Rock Music Reviews

375

No Star Rating

Audio CD (paid link)

The basis of this review is: should a rock band that disbanded 40 years ago, along the way losing their chief multi-instrumentalist, song writer and leader, reform and record a new album? In Gryphon’s case the answer is definitely, No.

Gryphon were a marvelous band formed in 1973 by Richard Harvey and Brian Gullard, both graduates of the London College of Music, with Graeme Taylor and Dave Orble. All are virtuosos of their many and varied chosen instruments.

The music written and played by Gryphon was at first based on Medieval and Renaissance with some modern equipment but also employing crumhorns, bassoons and the like to embellish their sound.

Immediately unique, Gryphon in true progressive rock style took their ideas further over the next four albums, adding a harder edge and incorporating more modern instruments and equipment to their armory, possibly influenced after a tour of America supporting Yes.

By the third album the band had developed quite a punch to their music and were one of the best acts to go and see live, as the standard of the musicianship was so high. The exuberance given out by their wild stage antics and humor were infectious.

Halfway through long intricate songs, they would all swap instruments and then act as if they had all forgotten where there were supposed to be, what they were supposed to be playing and what song it was. Of course, without actually missing a beat. Fabulous band.

Through the advent of punk rock and dreadful management decisions, the band split up in 1977 and they all went their merry ways.

In 2009 it was decided to ‘get the band together’ for a concert in London. All the original players were involved, and the band played a riotous set to a sold out Queen Elizabeth Hall. The critical acclaim was unanimous. Several more gigs were played.

Sadly, at this point, Richard Harvey had to drop out as his other commitments would not allow him to take it any further. The rest of the band brought in new members and decided to continue. On the live circuit this was fine. Playing Gryphon songs from their 70’s albums was what people wanted and they were a hit on the British festival scene.

But when the idea came along to release an album’s worth of new material 41 years after their last album, this was not a good idea. In fact, it was downright disastrous. If new listeners are drawn in to listen to this 2018 recording they may never delve back to find Gryphon’s earlier works where all the diamonds lay. You have to wonder which music executive gave the thumbs up to release such twaddle.

The music on this album is dreadful, barely recognizable as anything Gryphon would’ve done in the glorious pomp. Even the artwork mocks them from years gone by. The Gryphon looks like it is going to get a good kicking from a horse being ridden by a horse (but perhaps not as badly as this critic is doing to the music itself) as a godlike image of Brian Gullard looks on.

The writing is spread out among Brian Gullard, Graham Preskett and Graeme Taylor. Brain Gullard’s are all an attempt at doing Gryphon pastiches as if painting by numbers was a good process. His song ‘Hospitality At A Price… Anyone For?’ is actually painful to listen to. Graham Preskett, a musician very highly regarded, should’ve known better.

Graeme Taylor’s efforts to do something different with ‘Haddocks’ Eyes’ just does not work, severely impeded by the most awful vocals, dragging on for over eleven minutes. Brian Farland’s sole effort should perhaps have been left off altogether.

The music is at best adequate, but mostly boring and repetitive. Perhaps if they had tried to inject some of the humor they obviously try for in the titles into the music, things may have gone a little better.

For a taste of what Gryphon were all about, please do not listen to this album, but instead turn to either of the albums released in 1974, the sublime ‘Midnight Mushrumps’ or the more aggressive ‘Red Queen To Gryphon Three.’ This will give you a true answer to what a mighty beast a Gryphon can be.