The sixth and final album by Pentangle's original incarnation was, like
the preceding Reflection, a disappointment, if only in relation to the
high standards set by the group's first batch of LPs. As on Reflection,
there's an expansion into some wider use of electric guitars, sometimes
mildly distorted. There's a narrower scope of styles than on Reflection,
though not to the band's detriment, as the bandmembers concentrate on
the folk-jazz-blues blends that were their greatest strengths, rather
than venturing into some different styles at which they weren't as capable.
Ultimately, there's nothing seriously wrong with the record, other than
a certain complacency and lack of the fiery inspiration and risk-taking
that had fueled their greatest previous heights. Divided between group
originals and traditional folk songs like "Sally Free and Easy"
and "Willy O'Winsbury," none of the individual tracks would
rate among their best. Among the better ones, though, are "The Cherry
Tree Carol," with McShee's habitual haunted vocals, "The Snows,"
with its dashes of sitar textures, and "No Love Is Sorrow,"
with its close male-female harmonies.
(by Richie Unterberger, All Music Guide)
|