Search - Earth and Fire :: Song of the Marching Children

Brooding, mellotron heavy and gothic prog/pop

Jeffrey J.Park | Massachusetts, USA | 01/31/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Earth and Fire is such a wonderful Dutch prog band and it is a shame that they are so overlooked. I personally find the combination of the excellent voice of female vocalist Jerney Kaagman, extensive use of the mellotron (with string setting), and haunting melodies irresistible. The pieces on this 1971 album range from the psychedelic pop of the 2'46 Carnival of the Animals to the proggy Song of the Marching Children suite, which reaches approximately 18 minutes in length. There is a great deal of dramatic/gothic imagery on the album, which is nicely conveyed through the music and more importantly, the lyrics (written by the three person writing team of guitarist Hans Zeich, keyboardist Gerard Koertz and brother Chris Koertz on lead guitar). Like a lot of progressive rock, references to the natural world abound in the lyrics on this album, including forest animals, a lonely walk along the shoreline, a rainstorm etc. along with gloomy and impenetrably "cosmic" imagery, e.g., the marching children, the "crack of doom", and "laurel wreaths for future graves". The musicians themselves are very good, and the hallmarks of prog are more or less in place including decent ensemble work, loads of Hammond organ/mellotron, excellent electric/acoustic guitar work, and solid drumming from Ton van der Kleij. Although the superb vocals of Jerney Kaagman are featured on most pieces, there is an instrumental piece (In the Mountains), and large sections of the Song of the Marching Children suite are instrumental. This limited Japanese reissue is a bit expensive but worth it. The original album art has been reproduced in a mini-LP format and the sound quality is excellent. Five bonus tracks have been added on, including the singles Song of the Marching Children/Invitation (released in 1971), Storm and Thunder/Lost Forever (Lost Forever sounds like a Black Sabbath track) (both were released in 1972), and Memories (which was also released in 1972). The bonus tracks are OK and although they add a historical perspective, really don't add too much else (they are just singles after all). All in all, this is a brilliant album and is very highly recommended along with Atlantis (1973). Unfortunately, following the Atlantis album, Earth and Fire started sounding a lot like ABBA by 1975 or so."

One of Hollands best symphonic albums

Cervello | 09/02/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"One of Holland's prime exponents on the symphonic scene of the 70's. This albums has some gorgeous mellotron parts, especially heard on the long, fantastic title track. The first track, "Carnival of the animals" is a playful tune with ...great voice. "Ebbtide" is another catchy track with melodious hooks. The atmospheric "Storm and thunder" with its dramatic musical contrasts is another great track. But the titel track is the jewel in the crown here. Existing of smaller musical parts, creating a bigger whole. And that heavenly mellotron really shines on this recording."