Frijid Pink - Frijid Pink (1970) (Expanded Edition, 2005)

FRIJID PINK was a Detroit-based, blues rock band formed in 1967. They started releasing singles in 1969, in the hope of getting some success. Fortunately their distorted-guitar cover version of "The House of the Rising Sun" by The Animals reached the Top 10 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

This made FRIJID PINK release their first, self-titled, album in 1970, including their massive hit. The line-up included Kelly Green on vocals, Gary Ray Thompson on guitars, Tom Harris on bass, Richard Stevers on drums, and additional keyboardist Larry Zelanka. However, this album, as well as their following, "Defrosted", also released in 1970, showed no traces of Prog, but was simply straight-forward Blues Rock, with some Psych influences.

In spite of that, it only took 2 years for FRIJID PINK to take a more Progressive direction. Now, with new vocalist, Jon Wearing, and new guitarist, Craig Webb, FRIJID PINK created "Earth Omen", leaving behind their former, straight-forward Blues Rock style, and moving towards a Heavy Progressive sound in the style of Uriah Heep, with remarkable Hammond organ and powerful guitar riffs.

Unfortunately, in 1975 FRIJID PINK went through another personnel change, leaving out vocalist Jon Wearing, who was the only one interested in exploring new grounds (he died on January 4, 2009). This brought about their final album, "All Pink Inside", showing once again a straight-forward Blues Rock band, with nothing new to show to the masses. The band finally disbanded soon after its release.

However, in 2007 FRIJID PINK reformed, and have since been engaged in a series of live performances in the US. They have also been recording a new album, which should be released later in 2009.

While FRIJID PINK are not a 100% prog band, their third album, "Earth Omen", definitely shows a Heavy Rock band with a Progressive sound, very much in the vein of the already mentioned Uriah Heep, as well as Atomic Rooster. Recommended to all 70's Heavy Prog lovers. [progarchives]