Oriental journey / The Least You Could Do Is Send Me Some Flowers (Alquin, 1972)

A delightful, colourful, unpredictable mini-suite consisting of two tracks, the opening ones of the 1972 album called "Marks". Alquin are one of the brightest prog pearls from the Netherlands during the Golden Era of our favourite genre. This is a very peculiar instrumental, whose first part is a peaceful, pastoral and flute-driven section, a very enjoyable, dreaming piece of music. 

 

"Marks" was Alquin's debut album.

The rest of the suite is completely different, including a manifold and lively series of changes and involving a good deal of winds. It features several moods, ranging from vaudeville to Beatles-like chords. This kaleidoscope of moods and an assorted choice of sound effects build up an original, even humorous double-sided track I highly recommend to your attention.

The Dance (Alquin, 1973)

Taken from Alquin's second work "The Mountain Queen", this rather long song (more than 13 minutes) is an unusual example of Dutch golden era prog with an eclectic approach. There's a continuous duel between Hammond organ and electric guitar here, but the rest of the band also contributes with creative bass lines, delicate vocals, beautiful cymbals and a pinch of winds.

Alquin released four albums between 1972 and 1976,

then two more in 2005 and 2009.

The tempo is usually up, with slow, arcane interludes and some well found changes, while the general mood couldn't be more '70s, including some King Crimson, early Pink Floyd, psych and Canterbury inspirations. Nothing is writtene, here, and the band knew very well how to amaze the listener, offering vivid solos and ballad-like themes following one another in a fluid and slightly acid atmosphere. Just close your eyes and you'll see hippy festivals and long haired youths everywhere! Well, this is not a deadly sin, after all...