The Parlour Band-Is a Friend? (1972)

The Parlour Band was an obscure and forgotten British band from the island of Jersey, off the coast of Normandy. In 1972, they made their recording debut on the progressive rock label Deram, a subsidiary of Decca Records. While not strictly within the progressive rock genre, they did share certain similarities with contemporary Canterbury bands. Their original lineup consisted of vocalist Peter Filleul, who also played keyboards and acoustic guitars; drummer Jerry Robins; bassist and vocalist Mark Ashley; guitarist Craig Anders; and singer and second guitarist Pix. Their style was characterized by colorful arrangements and a wide variety of sounds, all wrapped in a soft, melodic pop-rock sound with prominent harmonies. Their only album was titled "Is A Friend?" It began with the energetic "Forgotten Dreams", featuring a shimmering Hammond organ and powerful guitar riffs. The following track, "Pretty Haired Girl", is a memorable and brilliant pop piece, while the sleepy, bluesy "Springs Sweet Comfort" showcases The Parlour Band's psychedelic side. Other highlights on the album include the cheerful "Follow Me", the heavenly and bucolic "Evening", the folk-pop "Don't Be Sad", and the progressive-tinged mini-suite "Home", which concludes a magnificent and somewhat forgotten work by a band that, after this release, changed its name to The O Band. Their style shifted towards melodic rock, and they released a series of interesting albums until their final breakup in 1977.