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Fantasy - Paint A Picture (1973)

Track listing:
  1. Paint A Picture 5:22
  2. Circus 6:17
  3. The Award 4:49
  4. Politely Insane 3:26
  5. Widow 2:10
  6. Icy River 5:54
  7. Thank Christ 4:05
  8. Young Manīs Fortune 3:41
  9. Gnome Song 4:15
  10. Silent Mime 4:41
  11. Beyond The Beyond (Bonus) 5:37
  12. Reality (Bonus) 2:58
  13. Alanderie (Bonus) 9:01
  14. After Thought (Bonus) 5:50
  15. Worried Man (Bonus) 2:56
  16. Just A Dream (Bonus) 3:32
  17. Winter Rose (Bonus) 3:26

Notes

Before reading my short review of this album, I have to admit being a bit biased. I really love this style of early English progressive rock. Although the musicians are not virtuosos, and the tracks are not terribly complex the music here is so warm, sincere, and melodic that you immediately fall for the colorful sounds coming out of your speakers. 1973's Paint A Picture is Fantasy's only official release(the second album, which was rejected by Polydor in the 70s, was released on CD in 1992). Some of the music on Paint A Picture reminds me of David Bowie's "Space Oddity". Not that the tracks here sound like Bowie's classic song, but the orchestration is very similar. Especially with the use of acoustic guitar, and mellotron. The band also knew when to pick up the pace in a song with an aggressive instrumental section or two, but the overall atmosphere is relaxed. This classic will appeal to fans of Spring, Earth And Fire, Pentacle, and PFM's Per Un Amico.

A progressive rock outfit who originally formed in Kent as Chapel Farm with a gritty vocalist called Paul Petley. Four tracks from a 10" acetate in this period (Fire-Fire, Vacuum, Alone and Afterthought) can now be heard on the Vivariatum CD and all four are pleasant but unexceptional keyboard-driven progressive rock.

Original vocalist Paul Petley left in 1971 to be replaced by Paul Lawrence. Then in 1972 they changed name briefly to Firequeen before switching again to Fantasy in 1973.

Fantasy's Paint A Picture album is now very rare and their 45 is pretty elusive too. The best tracks on the album were the title cut with its gentle, melodic vocals and the livelier Circus, with its good guitar work and swirling keyboards. Award, Icy River and Young May's Fortune are also worth a listen.

The first incarnation of the band split in 1974 before a projected second album, Beyond The Beyond, could be released, although it is now available as the discography notes explain.

There was a reformation (line-up B) in 1976 and six tracks from this reincarnation can also be heard on the Vivariatum CD. Personally I prefer the ones from 1970.