Review by Paul Monkhouse for MPM
Without any shadow of a doubt, Procol Harum have one of the most iconic sounds in rock, the veteran band seemingly able to conquer the most beautiful music but mixing it with some real grit.
Central to this is the soul drenched voice of Gary Brooker, the frontman’s distinct voice a thing of honeyed wonder. Never too soft and with that edge to it, the quality of his vocals are such that Brooker could sing a phonebook (remember them?) and make it sound like the most heart breaking thing you’ve heard.
Fortunately, Keith Reid’s lyrics to ‘Missing Persons (Live Forever)’ have the poignancy to cut to the heart, their power brought to an almost unbearable weight when added to the vocals, Josh Phillips’s organ playing and the guitarwork of Geoff Whitehorn as the song fills catherdral like spaces and then bursts into its hooky chorus.
In both this and second song of this three track EP, the aptly named ‘War Is Not Healthy’ (track three being a radio version of ‘Missing…’), you get classic examples of the breadth and depth of one of the most revered groups in modern musical history.
Still one of the most sublime bands out there, Procol Harum are as vital and important today as they ever were.
Track Listing:
1. MISSING PERSONS (ALIVE FOREVER)
2. WAR IS NOT HEALTHY
3. MISSING PERSONS (ALIVE FOREVER) (EDITED VERSION)
Pre-order now! http://cherryred.co/PHMissingPersonsEP
