Review Summary: A classic rock work. This is Wishbone Ash at their best.
“Argus” is the third studio album of Wishbone Ash that was released in 1972. The line up on the album is Andy Powel, Ted Turner, Martin Turner and Steve Upton. The album also had the participation of John Tout.
Wishbone Ash is a famous British rock band who achieved great success in the 70’s. During the early and mid of 70’s, Wishbone Ash were among England’s most popular hard rock acts. They were described in some quarters, at the time, as England’s answer to The Allman Brothers, albeit with a mystical lyrical element. Wishbone Ash fused heavy blues rock with fine harmonies of jazz and prog. Their most popular albums, at the time, included their self titled debut album, “Wishbone Ash” of 1970, “Pilgrimage” of 1971, “Argus” of 1972, “There’s The Rub” of 1974 and “New England” of 1976.
Wishbone Ash was also one of the first bands to come to use two lead guitars, although Judas Priest, which was also a contemporary of them, have done the same thing too. They’re also considered to be one of the major innovators of the harmony in the twin lead guitar format. Their contribution helped Andy Powell and Ted Turner to be considered for several times two of the most important guitarists in rock history and they were also described as the most interesting duo of guitarists since the old days when Jeff Back and Jimmy Page were members of The Yardbirds. This fact made Wishbone Ash can be considered a very influential rock band. They have been cited frequently as a band that had a deep influence on some rock bands, such as Iron Maiden and Thin Lizzy, as well as many other dual guitar rock bands.
“Argus” was built on a unique for the era axis, which is a mix of progressive rock, folk, and hard rock, all fused together under the veil of medieval lyrical themes. There are also some heavy blues elements, among the melodies that flood us, making “Argus” an extremely interesting work, really. “Argus” was the album of the band of which they looked like they were going to forge their own unique amalgamation of all those styles into a sound of their own. The album boasts extended compositions played with assurance and developing into imaginative explorations of new musical territory and group interaction. This mix of medieval themes, perfectly represented by the cover and the progressive rock without keyboards, was definitely the quartet’s best work. The lyrics also have medieval themes, a thing that always was a very popular thing with the British rock bands in general, adding a majestic tone to the music. But, it was the arrangements, with their twin lead guitar parts and open spaces for jamming, that made the songs work so well.
Argus” has seven tracks. “Time Was” is a perfect opener. It’s a classic rock guitar track with a soft, nice introduction of acoustic guitar. The rest of the song is played at a high rhythm speed. It’s sung by Ted Turner and Martin Turner. “Sometime World” also starts mellow. But, it also explodes at a high rhythm speed. It has fantastic guitar work by Ted Turner and Andy Powell. They make a unique genius duo in their own style. It’s a superb song sung by Martin Turner and Andy Powell. “Blowin’Free” is different. It’s made more in the rock’n’roll style. It’s a calmer song with several guitar sounds. Despite it having very good lyrics, it’s my least favourite song on the album. It’s sung by Martin Turner, Ted Turner and Andy Powell. “The King Will Come” is a remarkable and unforgettable song. It’s one of the most beautiful and complex prog rock songs of them, where both guitarists use the uah uah pedal effects and huge scales. That became significant in rock history. It’s sung by Martin Turner and Andy Powell. “Leaf And Stream” is a nice soft ballad. Despite being a simple acoustic song, it’s one of the most beautiful moments on the album. It’s sung by Martin Turner. “Warrior” is a powerful song representing one of the highest points on here. It’s the perfect example why Wishbone Ash is such a unique and special band. I think “Warrior” and “The King Will Come” are, probably, the two best moments on the album. It’s sung by Martin Turner and Andy Powell. “Throw Down The Sword” is another great song, a perfect closer for this spectacular and unique rock album. It has a memorable guitar solo. It’s sung by Martin Turner and Andy Powell.
Conclusion: I only bought “Argus” a few years ago and I'd never heard it until that time. It’s true I’d seen this album before, on sale in the 70’s, when it was released, but I must confess that I was only impressed with its fantastic cover. Now, I’m able to say that I’m very sorry for not buying it in those days. I missed some great music for so many years. “Argus” is one of the albums that I heard in the last few years that most impressed and surprised me. “Argus” is, without any doubt, the most popular album of the group and is widely considered the best work of the band by fans and progressive reviewers. It was also one of the best studio albums released in 1972. This is really a fantastic and marvellous album, the rock music at its best. If you are a progressive rock music fan and you have the need or you like to have something different and new in your collection, don't hesitate and buy “Argus”. I’m sure you will not regret it.
Music was my first love.
John Miles (Rebel)
