Heaven - Brass Rock 1

There’s more to Heaven than heavy and horny

Aficionados lurking out there in the internet’s horn-rock community rate this 1971 LP by Hampshire rockers Heaven as close to the pinnacle of their rarefied craft. For sure, the opening track, Things I Should Have Been, packs a huge prog punch with its lightning jazzy beats, crunchingly heavy guitars and gruff R&B vocals, all powered along by a five-piece brass compliment. Deep Purple meets Pearl & Dean. In Gosport, of all places.

On the face of it, Heaven were close to the benchmark of early Chicago Transit Authority or the Ides Of March’s almighty Vehicle; but then they begin to branch out, using their big horns to major effect in rollicking Americana (Never Say Die) and to kick off a dangerous loungey vibe (Morning Coffee). This Time Tomorrow is another stuttering prog-jazz juggernaut, but the LP bleeds seamlessly into dreamy flutes, string sections and, ultimately, something akin to soundtrack prog. Impossible, but cool.

The crisp sound and lasting power of Brass Rock 1 adds to the impression that its stylistic gambits were worthy of a far wider audience. And, of course, it’s never too late.

Esoteric | ECLEC 2030

Reviewed by Derek Hammond
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