Audience

Label: Charisma
Country: UK
Released: 1970
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Release Overview

"Friend's Friend's Friend" is the second studio album by the London-based band Audience. Released in May 1970 under Charisma Records with the catalog number CAS 1012, the album features a distinct "pink scroll" label. This release follows their self-titled debut and marks their first collaboration with Charisma Records.

Concept and Themes

The album is a loose concept piece that narrates the stories of six friends, each with their own unique backgrounds and experiences. This thematic approach is primarily crafted by lead vocalist and guitarist Howard Werth alongside bassist Trevor Williams. The lyrics explore various emotional landscapes, blending the band's progressive rock roots with folk influences, resulting in a diverse listening experience.

Musical Composition

Audience is known for its unconventional lineup, which excludes a lead guitarist. Instead, the band relies on Werth's percussive acoustic guitar work, which sets the tone for the album. Keith Gemmell enhances the sound with his mastery of woodwinds, including tenor saxophone, clarinet, and concert flute. The rhythm section, comprised of drummer Tony Connor and bassist Trevor Williams, adds depth with jazz-rock influences and dynamic arrangements.

Production Details

The album was produced and arranged by Audience themselves, showcasing their artistic vision. Mike Bobak served as the sound recording engineer during the recording sessions held at Olympic Studios in Barnes, London, in February 1970. The album’s sleeve design was handled by C.C.S. Advertising Associates, contributing to its visual presentation.

Track Highlights

Throughout its eight tracks, "Friend's Friend's Friend" features a range of musical styles. The opening track, "Nothing You Do," sets a dramatic tone, while "Raid" showcases an impressive instrumental workout. The title track, "Friend's Friend's Friend," serves as an anthem, encapsulating the album's core themes. The haunting "Priestess," lasting 6:40 minutes, adds an atmospheric layer to the collection.

Recording Location

The recording of "Friend's Friend's Friend" took place at Olympic Studios in Barnes, London, England, in February 1970.

Tracklist

A1	Nothing You Do Written-By – WerthWritten-By – Williams
A2	Belladonna Moonshine Written-By – WerthWritten-By – Williams
A3	It Brings A Tear Written-By – WerthWritten-By – Williams
A4	Raid Written-By – GemmellWritten-By – Connor
B1	Right On Their Side Written-By – WerthWritten-By – Williams
B2	Ebony Variations Written-By – WerthWritten-By – GemmellWritten-By – ConnorWritten-By – Williams
B3	Priestess Written-By – WerthWritten-By – Williams
B4	Friend's, Friend's, Friend Written-By – WerthWritten-By – Williams