Earth and Fire ''Earth and Fire'' (Dutch Prog-Rock 1970)













Earth and Fire were one of the leading Dutch progressive rock groups and my personal fave among progressive rock bands with female singers. They had a powerful sound and their strong compositions were always based in inspired and highly memorable melodies. Their debut-album is progressive rock in a less symphonic and slightly rougher vein than later albums. Some of the tracks ("Wild and Exciting" and "Love Quiver") even borders on heavy progressive. There was no Mellotron in their sound yet, but Gerard Koerts' (brother of guitarist Chris Koerts) excellent use of flute, organ and vibes took well care of the band's progressive sound already in this state of their career. "Earth and Fire" is a good debut with no bad tracks. "Vivid Shady Land" and "21st Century Show" are both catchy and energetic tracks with great harmonies and progressive breaks in the middle with beautifully atmospheric flute and organ. Their harmonies also come to the fore on the ballad "You Know the Way". But the possibly most beautiful and most atmospheric moment on the whole album is the acoustic and flute-dominated "What's Your Name". "Ruby is the One" is on the other hand more of a kick-ass pop song and was not very surprisingly released as one of the singles from the album. Most of the signature sound of Earth and Fire is clear already here, even if their sound would become much more symphonic with the next releases.

1. Wild and Exciting
2. Twilight Dreamer
3. Ruby is The One
4. You Know The Way
5. Vivid Shady Land
6. 21st Century Show
7. Seaons
8. Love Quivers
9. What's Your Name
10. Hazy Paradise (bonus track)
11. Mechanical Lover (bonus track)