Beggar's Opera

Beggars Opera's debut album introduces them as a major player in the early British symphonic scene. Like many bands of the era, the music had a post-psychedelic, pop/folk vibe, though Beggars Opera added a flashy, complex instrumental underpinning. On Act One, Alan Park's organ and keyboards are particularly dominant, often reminiscent of Emerson, Lake & Palmer or the Nice in their bombast and affinity for classical quotations. However, a sense of humor and irreverence pervades the album, making the whole affair far less pretentious. Martin Griffith's powerful, strident vocal style is particularly striking, though the melodies he would have to work with are not as strong here as they would be on the follow-up, Waters of Change.
"Poet and Peasant" is an ideal opener, bowling the listener over with driving, up-tempo rhythms, flashy organ and memorable vocal melodies. "Passaglia" begins with another promising vocal part, but shifts its attention to an instrumental jam highlighted by some searing guitar work courtesy of Gardiner. For me, tracks like the 10 minute instrumental "Raymond's Road" tend to bog down the affair, being a little heavy on wanky ELP-ish playing and tacky, easily recognizable classical motifs, although it has its moments. Indeed, although the album isn't by any means a "mature" work, what primarily draws me to the band here is their naiveté and humor, and the album is nothing if not fun and enjoyable. "Light Cavalry" however, is a rousing closer and foreshadows the addictive melodicism of the subsequent album. Although the songs themselves would get better on Waters of Change, Act One remains a solid debut from the band. As a bonus, the two cuts from their "Sarabande" single are included on the Repertoire reissue, both great songs that make the overall package much more attractive above the album proper.