Cornucopia - Full Horn (Reissue) (1973/1997)

1973's Full Horn was Cornucopia's only release, but the seven members of this German progressive rock band made sure that it was a worthwhile accomplishment. From the onset of "Day of a Daydreambeliever," the album's opening track, Cornucopia's misty, phantasmal sound is set adrift with the softness of numbing vocal harmonies that emerge from the background. But from here, the song begins to breed patient rhythms and a certain sci-fi milieu that wonderfully sets the mood, picking up the pace which is led by a marching bassline. The other three tracks hint of a slight Canterbury sound, which is somewhat unusual coming from a band based out of Germany. "Morning Sun" includes intermittent spots of light, acoustic guitar, and rides on the effects of a rather playful melody, while "Spot On You, Kids" reveals a little more strength and musical cogency. There is a distinct jazz influence throughout Full Horn as well, especially from the unpredictable yet bright and busy smatterings of saxophone and flute. The lyrics hover slightly above the music, and although the overall feel of the album weaves back and forth from brisk to gradual movements, the wide assortment of instruments all come into play at one time or another. By 1974, Cornucopia got left behind in the advent of the German music scene of the early '70s, failing to record anything beyond the curiosities of Full Horn.