I still swear by this band...
Listener | BayArea, CA | 09/27/2000
(3 out of 5 stars)
"While progressive rock manifests itself in many different ways, in the US or overseas, one can pretty much divide it into two major categories: instrumental and non-instrumental.Gryphon, to me, was one of the best instrumental bands out there...literally, out there. Red Queen, Ein Klein, Ethelion, Juniper Suite... all these are examples of some of the most layered and complex instrumental tunes on the market. Most of Gryphon's vocal excursions (renditions of traditional tunes) were humorous ditties about Sirs, butchers, and a farmer's wife, serving as segues into the next wordless winner. One exception is Raindance's Fontinental Version: Gryphon winds a double helix of boggling vocals and sweeping instrumentation into a solid tune.On Treason, Gryphon brings an altered line-up into the studio to produce an album in this Fontinental fashion. Words abound as do the instrumental intricacies that make the previous albums so golden. Snakes & Ladders is the album's token instrumental.As far as recommending this album goes....I suggest that people more interested in complex music devoid of vocals make this their last Gryphon purchase. Those more into the vocal side of progressive rock might find this the place to start. I'm more of the instrumental type, and I still sprung for this CD after having heard each of the tracks."
A solid farewell....
Tracy Deaton | Douglas, Wyo. | 02/25/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Perhaps caving in 2 commercial pressure (adding lots of rather nice vocals) & bad timing (1977 -- punk rock was becoming the big thing in Britain), on their final album Gryphon moves away from their more adventurous instrumentals & perhaps sounds like a gentler Jethro Tull. & it works! "Spring Song" should've been a progressive-rock landmark. "Fall of the Leaf" & "Major Disaster" R nearly as good. The only wasted track is the 1 instrumental. Just goes 2 show that being brilliant & talented won't get U everything -- but these guys put out 5 really enjoyable, at times brilliant, albums. But them!"
A sad farewell
T. D., Morse | 08/02/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"It is always a pity when a favourite beand stops producing music, but all good things must come to an end. Maybe after the hieghts of Red queen, they counldn't sustain the intensity, maybe they wanted to get on with the rest of their lives. I like this one, rockier than the previous recordings (I have anyway), and in some ways more direct, which, if you coming from the rock end of music, then this would be the ideal entrance to Gryphon, but I personally prefer the more diverse, and overt, set of influences of earlier record. Well worth a listen or in deed many."