Session - Unikuva (1974 Finland). A strong progressive rock album with loud guitar solos, organ, electric piano, horns and most significant, a fiercely driving bass. In fact the bass playing reminds me quite a bit of Trettioariga Kriget’s first album. The occasional happy chorus lines call to mind Haikara circa “Geafar” mixed with a quaint late 60s psychedelic style. Lots of cool vocals in Finnish. And there’s more than a nod to Wigwam from their “Fairyport” days. For a major label effort, this has to be considered one of the most obscure. I spent time with some big time Finnish collectors about 15 years ago and pretty much heard every progressive album from the country (I can say that with some authority now that so much time has passed). Scapa Flow and Sepi Kuu are but two examples of that listening experience. Except no one mentioned this title and I have to wonder if they even knew of it then (I’m sure they do now!). Would make a great CD, so more than 10 of us can say we heard this record.
Pyranha - s/t (1972 Switzerland). Pyranha’s sole album seems like a lost recording from the Futura label. There’s quite a bit of psychotic ranting in French over studio effects, vibes, guitar and percussion. Also some organ and electric piano driven rock sessions. Album opener is even a bit funky. Only misstep is the second song on side 1, a misguided improvisation that seems to serve no purpose whatsover. Unfortunately it’s also the longest track at nearly 13 minutes long. Had that one track just been merely average, and not so obtrusive, I think I would’ve considered this an 11 or higher grade. A fascinating listen though. No CD exists.
Eloiteron - Lost Paradise (1981 Switzerland). Much better than average early 80s symphonic album. There were many of these type of private releases in Germany and Switzerland during this period (Nautilus, Sicher, Fly, Schakta, Agememnon) and Eloiteron are one of the best. Trumpet adds a nice touch, recalling the Austrian group Klockwerk Orange. Plenty of excellent organ, mellotron and flute as well. No legit CD reissue exists.