FRUUPP — Discography (1973-1975) 2016, RM | 4 Mini LP Blu-spec CD | Wasabi Records Japan | RE-UP | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

One of the hardest-working progressive bands to end up languishing in relative obscurity, Fruupp was begun in 1971 by guitarist Vince McCusker. After a brief musical apprenticeship in London, McCusker returned to Belfast and quickly pulled together a group of largely classically trained musicians; the lineup was unusual in that keyboardist Stephen Houston doubled on the oboe. (The unusual band name was taken from a Lectreset sheet.) The band's resulting sound is not unlike Spring or early Genesis, with primary composers McCusker and Houston acting as foils for each other: Houston's cello, oboe, and violin typically lend dark folk textures beneath McCusker's aggressive guitar parts and Peter Farelly's Celtic-influenced vocals. After two years of gigging, they shopped their demo tape around and were picked up by Pye Records for their Dawn label. Between 1973 and 1975, Fruupp released four albums, the last of which was produced by King Crimson alum Ian McDonald; the band also toured in support of Crimson. Despite playing hundreds of gigs per year throughout the U.K. and Europe during this period, their record sales never quite took off, and the band closed up shop after a final London gig at the Roundhouse in 1976. Paul Collins

1973 • FRUUPP — Future Legends 

A strong debut effort that, despite some searing guitar work by Vince McCusker and a well-placed howl by Peter Farelly in "Decision," remains a strangely low-key work. This may be due to the contemplative nature of Stephen Houston's keyboard and string parts. The erstwhile title tracks that bookend the album are instrumental throwaways, but several of the intervening numbers are impressive in their range and instrumental prowess. "Olde Tyme Future" is an ultimately hopeful elegy for an Irish homeland that seems unable to escape its own bitter past, alternating stark vocals and organ-driven instrumentals. "Song for Thought" uses the old progressive structure of spiraling fugues easing into slow blues on the verses, and it works wonderfully here. Paul Collins

Tracklist :

1. Future Legends 01:31

2. Decision 06:24

3. As Day Breaks With Dawn 05:00

4. Graveyard Epistle 06:14

5. Lord Of The Incubus 06:25

6. Olde Tyme Future 05:35

7. Song For A Thought 07:30

8. Future Legends 00:54

Bonus Track:

9. On A Clear Day 07:48

(00:47:25)

1974 • FRUUPP — Seven Secrets

Seven Secrets is a pensive follow-up that shows the band stretching out into lengthy and varied suites like "Garden Lady." The album's dynamics can be a bit irritating at times -- the production too often toys with very soft passages that may cut it in the symphony hall, but get tiresome anywhere else. Still, "Elizabeth" is one of the band's best compositions, an ambitious fulfillment of their talents at both string arrangements and progressive rock instrumentation, and "Three Spires" is a fine showcase for Peter Farelly's wistful vocals. As on their debut, the title track is a rather fey little bit of filler, but it hardly detracts from the overall high level of the album. Paul Collins

Tracklist

1. Faced With Shekinah 08:23

2. Wise As Wisdom 07:07

3. White Eyes 07:17

4. Garden Lady 09:09

5. Three Spires 05:02

6. Elizabeth 07:48

7. The Seventh Secret 01:11

 (00:45:58)

1974 • FRUUPP — The Prince Of Heaven's Eyes

Tracklist

1. It's All Up Now 07:22

2. Prince Of Darkness 03;49

3. Jaunting Car 02:26

4. Annie Austere 05:19

5. Knowing You 02:46

6. Crystal Brook 08:04

7. Seaward Sunset 03:07

8. The Perfect Wish 09:58

Bonus Tracks:

9. Prince Of Heaven 03:34

10. Jaunting Car (Single Version) 02:29

 (00:48:57)

1975 • FRUUPP — Modern Masquerades 

Tracklist :

1. Misty Morning Way 06:56

2. Masquerading With Dawn 07:16

3. Gormenghast 10:46

4. Mystery Might 08:22

5. Why 04:11

6. Janet Planet 02:57

7. Sheba's Song 08:32

(00:49:03)

Fruupp 

Peter Farrelly - bass, flute, vocals

Martin Foye - drums, percussion

Stephen Houston - keyboards, oboe, vocals (on "Future Games", "Seven Secrets", "The Prince Of Heaven's Eyes")

Vincent McCusker - acoustic & electric guitars, vocals

John Mason - keyboards, vibes, vocals (on "Modern Masquerades")