Curved Air

Label: Warner Bros. Records
Country: UK
Released: 1972
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Album Overview

Released in 1972, "Phantasmagoria" is the third studio album by Curved Air. This album features the first appearance of bassist Mike Wedgwood, alongside established members Sonja Kristina, Darryl Way, Francis Monkman, and Florian Pilkington-Miksa. "Phantasmagoria" was issued under Warner Bros. Records and achieved number 20 on the UK Albums Chart.

Musical Elements

The album blends various rock styles, prominently showcasing progressive rock elements. It includes a mix of traditional rock instrumentation and classical influences, particularly through the use of violin by Darryl Way. The track "Ultra-Vivaldi" is a brief, energetic piece that reflects this classical infusion. Additionally, the album features a brass section on select tracks, enhancing its orchestral dimension.

One of the album's notable technical aspects is the early use of the EMS Synthi 100 synthesizer. This synthesizer is used to process Sonja Kristina's voice on the second side of the album, creating unique sound textures. The experimentation with technology during this period was influential in the development of progressive rock.

Track Insights

"Marie Antoinette," written by Way and Linwood, opens the album with a robust vocal performance by Mike Wedgwood. Another standout track, "Whose Shoulder Are You Looking Over Anyway," highlights Monkman's skills on guitar and keyboards. The title track, "Phantasmagoria," is a brief yet impactful piece that encapsulates the album's themes.

Lineup Changes

Shortly after the album's release, the lineup underwent significant changes. Darryl Way, Francis Monkman, and lyricist Linwood departed from the band. This shift marked a turning point for Curved Air as they moved into future projects.

Production Details

The album was produced by Colin Caldwell and the band itself. It features artwork directed by Richard Rockwood and illustrations by John Gorham. The engineering work was also handled by Caldwell, contributing to the album's distinct sound.

"Phantasmagoria" features tracks that span various styles and lengths, with "Over And Above" clocking in at 8:36.

Tracklist

A1	Marie Antoinette Drums – Florian Pilkington-MiksaElectric Piano, Guitar – Francis MonkmanPiano, Synthesizer, Tubular Bells, Performer [Melon] – Darryl WayVocals – Sonja KristinaVocals, Bass Guitar – Mike WedgwoodWritten-By – WayWritten-By – Linwood	6:20
A2	Melinda (More Or Less) Bass Guitar – Mike WedgwoodFlute – Annie StewartGuitar – Sonja KristinaHarpsichord – Francis MonkmanViolin – Darryl WayVocals – Sonja KristinaWritten-By – Linwood*	3:25
A3	Not Quite The Same Bass Guitar – Mike WedgwoodDrums – Florian Pilkington-MiksaPiano, Synthesizer – Francis MonkmanTrombone – Alan GoutTrombone – Chris PyneTrombone – David PurserTrombone – Steve SaundersTrumpet – Crispian Steele-PerkinsTrumpet – George ParnabyTrumpet – Jim WatsonTrumpet – Paul CoshViolin, Synthesizer – Darryl WayVocals – Sonja KristinaWritten-By – WayWritten-By – Linwood	3:44
A4	Cheetah Bass Guitar – Mike WedgwoodDrums – Florian Pilkington-MiksaHarpsichord, Guitar – Francis MonkmanViolin – Darryl WayWritten-By – Way*	3:35
A5	Ultra-Vivaldi Written-By – WayWritten-By – Monkman	2:22
B1	Phantasmagoria Drums – Florian Pilkington-MiksaOrgan, Piano – Francis MonkmanViolin – Darryl WayVocals – Sonja KristinaVocals, Bass Guitar, Acoustic Guitar – Mike Wedgwood	3:15
B2	Whose Shoulder Are You Looking Over Anyway Vocals – Sonja Kristina	3:24
B3	Over And Above Drums – Florian Pilkington-MiksaOrgan, Electric Piano, Synthesizer, Guitar, Tubular Bells, Gong – Francis MonkmanTrombone – Alan GoutTrombone – David PurserTrombone – Steve SaundersTrumpet – Crispian Steele-PerkinsTrumpet – Jim WatsonTrumpet – Paul CoshViolin – Darryl WayVocals – Sonja KristinaVocals, Bass Guitar – Mike WedgwoodXylophone, Vibraphone [Vibes] – Frank Ricotti	8:36
B4	Once A Ghost Always A Ghost Drums, Percussion [Assorted] – Florian Pilkington-MiksaHarpsichord, Percussion [Assorted] – Francis MonkmanPercussion [Assorted], Other [Hooters], Noises – Colin CaldwellPercussion [Assorted], Other [Hooters], Noises – Jean AkersPercussion [Assorted], Other [Hooters], Noises – Mal Linwood-RossTrumpet – George ParnabyTrumpet – Jim WatsonTrumpet – Paul CoshVibraphone [Vibes], Congas – Frank RicottiVocals – Sonja KristinaVocals, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Percussion [Assorted] – Mike WedgwoodWritten-By – MonkmanWritten-By – Linwood*	4:25