STARRY EYED AND LAUGHING

(CBS 80450)

SE&L are a young English band comprising Tony Poole (vocals and 12 string guitar), Ross McGeeney (vocals, lead guitar), lain Whitmore (vocals, bass) and drummer Mike Wackford. They've managed to capture some of that happy, free, sunshiney 1968 California sound and apply it to 12 original compositions, resulting in a fresh and original sound.

Although their use of a 12-string and their style of harmonising invites comparison to The Byrds, they play in an altogether different way, a tighter rock feel than the loose, easy sound of the

American band. Between the three writers amongst them, they manage to come up with a lot of variety in their material. Tony Poole writes the wittiest lyrics, Ross McGeeney the more poetic, whilst lain Whitmore writes short, compressed statements that move in very rhythmic ways.

The songs are the central thing with the instrumental work woven around them. McGeeney plays very fluid guitar, with a lovely, rounded, creamy tone, the perfect foil for Poole’s chunky 12-string work. Whitmore is a very jazzy

bass player and Wackford's tight, powerful drumming pulls it all together.

One of the high spots on the album is the blending together of the last two numbers, "In The Madness" and "Everybody”, by Ross McGeeney.

Very good, melodic songs, with unpretentious, meaningful lyrics and good instrumental work make this an excellent, thoroughly enjoyable first album.