Comus

Release Overview

Comus, an English progressive and folk-rock ensemble, released their second studio album titled To Keep From Crying in 1974 under the Virgin label (catalog V 2018). This album follows their debut, First Utterance, which was noted for its raw and unsettling acid-folk sound. Recorded at Richard Branson's Manor Studios in Oxfordshire, the album features a lineup that includes original members Roger Wootton, Bobbie Watson, and Andy Hellaby, alongside keyboardist Keith Hale and drummer Gordon Coxon.

Musical Style

The music on To Keep From Crying marks a shift from the band's earlier, more chaotic sound. The album embraces a polished and melodic art-rock style, incorporating elements from various genres. The tracks weave together glam-folk ballads, spacey synthesizers, and Canterbury jazz influences. The arrangement showcases intricate chamber textures that add depth to the listening experience.

Collaborations and Contributions

This album features contributions from notable guest musicians. Lindsay Cooper from Henry Cow plays bassoon and oboe, while Didier Malherbe of Gong adds tenor saxophone. Other contributors include Tim Kramer on cello and Phil Barry on bongos. The sound engineers for the project were Tom Newman and Phil Becque, both recognized for their work on other significant recordings.

Track Highlights

Among the ten tracks, "Children Of The Universe" stands out as a space-folk ballad that captures the album's eclectic essence. The experimental piece "Waves And Caves" explores the band's avant-garde tendencies. The title track, "To Keep From Crying," delivers a poignant close to the album with its reflective tone. Each song contributes to the overall diversity of the record while maintaining a cohesive sound.

Production Details

The album was recorded in 1974 at The Manor Studios, a location known for fostering innovative music projects. The studio's environment played a role in shaping the album's sound. Sheila MacLurkin provided cover artwork, while Trevor Key, famous for his photography on the cover of Tubular Bells, captured images for this release.

Comus's To Keep From Crying was released in the UK and is available in vinyl format.