Comus

First Utterance

Comus First Utterance
Label: Dawn Records
Country: UK
Released: 1971
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Comus: A Dark Folk Journey

Released in February 1971, "First Utterance" is the debut album by the English progressive folk ensemble Comus. Formed at Ravensbourne College of Art in Bromley, the band was early on supported by David Bowie, who invited them to perform regularly at the Beckenham Arts Lab. The album was recorded at Pye Studios in London during November and December of 1970, under the production of Barry Murray.

Musical Style and Themes

"First Utterance" stands out in the realm of British folk-rock for its unique blend of dark acoustic sounds and complex themes. The album features a visceral atmosphere, characterized by elements of pagan frenzy and mythological terror. It explores mental illness and incorporates ritualistic rhythms that create an immersive listening experience. The instrumentation includes manic falsetto and growls from lead vocalist Roger Wootton, ethereal counter-vocals by Bobbie Watson, dissonant violins, woodwinds, and dynamic hand percussion.

The album consists of seven tracks, each offering a distinct narrative. Among these, "Diana" presents a breathless pagan chase, while "The Herald" unfolds as a pastoral multi-part ballad. "Drip Drip" is an 11-minute psychological horror epic that showcases the band's ability to weave complex stories through music. Other tracks like "Song To Comus" and "The Prisoner" delve into themes of witchcraft and asylum experiences, respectively.

Artwork and Presentation

The album cover features striking mythological line drawings created by Wootton and Glen Goring, enhancing the overall dark aesthetic of the release. The gatefold format allows for a rich visual presentation that complements the music inside. This artistic approach adds another layer to the listening experience, making it more immersive for the audience.

Influences and Legacy

Comus has been cited as an influence by various artists, including Opeth's frontman Mikael Åkerfeldt. Notably, Åkerfeldt named the album "My Arms, Your Hearse" after lyrics from "Drip Drip." This connection illustrates the album's reach beyond its original release, impacting later generations of musicians.

"First Utterance" was released by Dawn Records with the catalog number DNLS 3019.

Tracklist

A1Diana
Written-By – Pearson*
4:28
A2The Herald
Written-By – Hellaby*Written-By – Goring*Written-By – Wootton*
5:30
A3Drip Drip
Written-By – Wootton*
11:35
B1Song To Comus
Written-By – Wootton*
7:25
B2The Bite
Written-By – Wootton*
6:20
B3Bitten
Written-By – Hellaby*Written-By – Pearson*
0:30
B4The Prisoner
Written-By – Wootton*
6:20

Credits

  • Acoustic Guitar [6 String], Twelve-String Guitar [Acoustic], Electric Guitar, Slide Guitar [Slide], Vocals, Drums [Hand Drums] – Glen Goring
  • Acoustic Guitar, Lead Vocals – Roger Wootton
  • Arranged By [All Arrangements] – Comus
  • Bass [Fender Bass], Bass [Slide Bass], Vocals – Andy Hellaby
  • Design [Front Cover] – Roger Wootton
  • Design [Inside Cover] – Glen Goring
  • Engineer – Jeff Calver*
  • Flute, Oboe, Drums [Hand Drums] – Rob Young
  • Lacquer Cut By – T*
  • Lettering – Tony Kite
  • Producer – Barry Murray
  • Violin, Viola – Colin Pearson
  • Vocals, Percussion – Bobbie Watson
Tags:
FOLK WORLD & COUNTRY ROCK Folk Rock
▶
Comus - First Utterance [Full album]

SOLD OUT

← Back to list

CLOCKWORK

infocenter

Featured Recommendations "FOLK WORLD & COUNTRY"