A minor classic of progressive rock, this album ranks with
Gracious' second album and King Crimson's debut as an exemplar of the use of the Mellotron. Although Mellotrons and the organ (along with some charmingly plonkety piano)provide the foundation of the band's sound, the drums and guitar lay down rocky grooves that keep the washes of keyboards from swamping the whole affair. The lyrics are contemplative, a quality emphasized by Pat Moran's smoky and often wistful vocal style, particularly on the mournful piano piece "Song to Absent Friends." "Shipwrecked Soldier" has wonderfully martial rhythms applied to the Mellotron and drums, and the soaring "Golden Fleece" really lets the multiple keyboards shine. The production is airy and live sounding, with the result that this album has aged surprisingly well. [Esoteric Recordings released a two-CD Expanded Edition of
Spring in 2015, featuring a remastered version of the original album on the first disc plus a 12-track bonus disc of demos and additional recordings intended for a second album that was not released. The Expanded Edition included restored original artwork and a booklet with a new essay.] ~ Paul Collins