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Edge — Sarcastic Fringeheads
(Ugum Productions UGU 00391, 1991/1996, CD)

Edge — Suction 8
(Ugum Productions UGU 00190, 1986/1996, CD)

by Alain Lachapelle, Published 1997-10-01

Sarcastic Fringeheads Cover artSuction 8 Cover art

Edge was a British band that made two albums, one in 1986 and the other four years later. They were different from many of the British prog bands in such a way that they were quite out of the neo or psych genres that were prevalent at that time. Instead they went forward with a style that favored complex rhythms, intricate lines, and sudden changes, all fronted by the assertive but sensible vocals of Frances Pearless and the down-to-earth flute work of Oliver Page. And although flute there is, no comparison is readily available with compeers Jethro Tull. The music is personal but outgoing, it has play and drama and always surprises by being inspired in every detail. There is a tight sense of communication inside the band, with the band being put in the forefront. There are occasional solos but what prevails is the band itself and the feeling that the band carries. It is clearly defined that everyone contributes toward this goal. This is also supported by a very good level of musicianship that knows what a silence means. No extra flurries of notes, no useless decorations.This shows more in their second album, Sarcastic Fringeheads, where the accent is put on atmosphere, giving way to a more jam-like approach where things are slowly and more loosely developed, and where a soul influence can be felt and appreciated. This album could be as far as prog can go into the blues, while remaining prog. This is also to say that indeed Edge had a quite good stronghold on expressing feelings and this is also found at large in their first offering, Suction 8, where even amidst drastic changes at the compositional level they managed to keep the expression focused, giving this special tightness that makes their music quite enjoyable. And benefiting from a British tradition of prog music, Edge also shows a great sense of song making in this context, this element being very well put forward by Frances' vocals, and colorfully supported by the band. At every moment the listener's attention is nicely driven by the thoughtful arrangements and melodic changes. Not a readily easy music, not a harsh one, but a great sense of balance and dynamics. It smoothes out with Neil Allies or Sam Smith's guitar and Page's flute against a backdrop of keys, it bites with Stephen Page's aggressive drums and Mark Hampton's bare bass, it meanders with a purpose and comes back driven by Jez Ford's keyboards; in every way, it is a delight to follow. As to why such a talented bunch stopped the Edge experience, perhaps we'll never know, but judging by the amount of dedication found in these two albums, and more precisely Suction 8 for the 'pure prog' style, it certainly had nothing to do with their love of music. Edge left the prog world with two very nice albums that are a pleasure to listen to again and again. Go for Suction 8 for the progness of it, and Sarcastic Fringeheads for the soulness of what was a great prog band.

Filed under: Reissues, Issue 13, 1996 releases, 1991 recordings, 1986 recordings

Related artist(s): Edge

More info
http://edge8.bandcamp.com/album/sarcastic-fringeheads

 

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