Druid

Introducing Druid's "Fluid Druid"

Druid, an English progressive rock band, released their second album, "Fluid Druid," in May 1976 under EMI. This album followed their debut, "Toward the Sun," which came out in 1975. Druid was formed in 1971 and gained attention after winning the Melody Maker Rock and Folk talent contest in 1974. The lineup for "Fluid Druid" consisted of Dane Stevens on vocals and guitars, Andrew McCrorie-Shand on keyboards, Neil Brewer on bass, and Cedric Sharpley on drums and percussion.

Musical Composition and Style

"Fluid Druid" features a blend of shorter and longer tracks, a departure from their debut's composition style. The album is characterized by layered mellotron arrangements and vocal harmonies, showcasing the band's growth in musical complexity. Tracks like "Razor Truth" and "Painters Clouds" illustrate their progressive rock influences while also incorporating elements of traditional rock. The album's sound offers a rich auditory experience that highlights the band's musicianship.

Commercial Performance and Aftermath

Despite the effort put into "Fluid Druid," the album did not perform as well commercially as its predecessor. It failed to chart and sold fewer copies, leading to EMI withdrawing support for the band. This decline in commercial success ultimately contributed to Druid disbanding in 1977, just a year after the album's release. Despite this, "Fluid Druid" still holds a place in the discography of the band and the progressive rock genre.

Track Highlights

Among the standout tracks, "Nothing But Morning" and "The Fisherman's Friend" reflect the band's ability to combine lyrical storytelling with intricate musical arrangements. These tracks, along with others on the album, display Druid's unique sound that set them apart from their contemporaries.

Final Notes

Druid's "Fluid Druid" was released on vinyl LP format in 1976 and represents the band's second and final studio effort.