The Parlour Band

The Parlour Band: A Brief Overview of "Is A Friend?"

Released in May 1972, "Is A Friend?" is the only studio album from The Parlour Band, a quintet formed in Jersey, Channel Islands. The album was distributed under the Deram label, known for its focus on progressive music. This release showcases the band's pastoral progressive rock style, marked by melodic dual-guitar arrangements and multi-part vocal harmonies.

Musical Style and Composition

The Parlour Band's sound incorporates elements of British folk-rock and progressive rock, drawing comparisons to bands such as Caravan and Wishbone Ash. The interplay between lead and acoustic guitars, alongside rich keyboard textures, characterizes their approach. The album consists of ten tracks, including the melodic "Pretty Haired Girl" and the progressive piece "Spring's Sweet Comfort." The final track is a three-part symphonic suite titled "Home," which spans 7:37 minutes.

Production and Recording

Produced by Nick Tauber, known for his work with Thin Lizzy, the album was engineered by Derek Varnals at Decca Studios in West Hampstead, London. The recording sessions took place between 1971 and 1972. Varnals is also recognized for his previous collaborations with The Moody Blues and other significant bands of that era. The cover design and photography were handled by Helen Dixon, contributing to the album's visual presentation.

Lineup and Credits

The Parlour Band consists of several talented musicians. Peter Filleul serves as the lead vocalist, plays keyboards, and is the primary songwriter. Craig Anders contributes lead and acoustic guitars along with vocals. Jon "Pix" Pickford adds electric guitar and vocals. Mark Ashley Anders plays electric bass guitar and also provides vocals. Jerry Robins rounds out the group on drums and percussion. This lineup creates a diverse range of sounds throughout the album.

Post-Release Evolution

Following the release of "Is A Friend?", The Parlour Band underwent a transformation, evolving into A Band Called O, which shifted towards a pub-rock and funk-rock style. This change marks a significant transition in their musical journey.

The album was recorded at Decca Studios in West Hampstead, London, England, during the years 1971 to 1972.