'Vivariatum' is the third album to be released by this Kent based group and spans the entire period of their career from 1970 - 77. It also features several other musicians who were a part of the Fantasy story whose contributions are finally acknowledged on this disc for the very first time, we delve back to the embryonic stages of the band, when they were known as Chapel Farm. This name was chosen because the band rehearsed at the farmhouse of the same name, the home of Paul Petley, their first singer.
The four songs, recorded by Chapel Farm in 1970, are all featured on this CD, having been lifted in their raw state from the only known surviving acetate and remastered, using the Cedar de-clicking sound system. These early demos feature the band's original vocalist, Paul Petley, whose gritty and rasping vocals difered markedly from those of Paul Lawrence who replaced him the following year. Also featured in this ensemble is Geoff Whitehorn, the band's original guitarist, who wrote the opening track presented here, 'Fire-Fire'. He also co-wrote 'Afterthought', a later version of which appears on 'Beyond The Beyond'.
The remaining Chapel Farm demos 'Vacuum'and 'Alone' were written by bassist and founder member, David Read, whose riving force and motivating influence is prominent throughout. Keyboards are handled by another founder member, David Metcalfe, whose penetrating Farfisa organ gives resonance to the overall sound. Brian Chatham was the band's first drummer, soon to give way to Jon Webster when the group moved residence from Chapel Farm to David Read's basement.
These four demos, which have been paired up to open and close proceedings here, give a valuable insight into how the band's music evolved from that early period into the more refined and recognizable sound that became synonymous with the complex yet often simplistic beauty of Fantasy's songs and musicianship. Of particular interest is the original version of 'Afterthought', where a direct comparison can be made between 'new' and 'old'.
In contrast with these primitive yet potent early demos are the six songs recorded by the re-formed Fantasy, some two years after 'Beyond The Beyond' was aborted. The musicians concerned are Paul Lawrence (vocals), David Read (bass), Geoff Whitehorn, who returned to the fold to play guitar, and Nick and Malcolm Page (piano and drums respectively). These rare recordings, all of which have remained unreleased until now, capture Fantasy in relaxed mood, exploring diferent musical styles whilst retaining that special 'Fantasy' sound. The understated approach of these compositions harks back to the melancholy feel of some of the more mellow songs on 'Paint A Picture'. Paul Lawrence's ability to turn a song into something special is evident throughout with his unique phrasing and heartfelt lyrics. His gift for being able to say a lot with a few well chosen words is portrayed beautifully by 'In My Life' and 'Angel'. This is greatly enhanced by the sympathetic guitar playing of Geoff Whitehorn which has developed in parallel to change the appeal of the later tracks.
With the lighthearted 'Low Love' the band adopt a more commercial approach. The song has a lovely groove to it conjuring up a picture of romance on sun drenched beaches by the sea. Sandwiched in the middle of the eleven songs here, and included as a bonus, is the B side of Fantasy's elusive single from 1973. 'I Was Once Aware' reflects the general mood of much of the later material making it a perfect addition. 'Vivariatum' can be seen as an album of contrasts with its display showing the quantum leap from the hopeful and heady days of the early years to the mature and satisfying sounds of the final chapter. More importantly the diverse talents of the individual members that made up this remarkable group are captured here for all to savour.
by Pete Sarfas, 1994
Tracks
1. Fire-Fire (Geoff Whitehorn) - 6.41
2. Vacuum (David Read) - 4.03
3. In My Life - 3.56
4. Low Love - 4.26
5. Stardrifting - 4.32
6. I Was Once Aware (David Read, Paul Lawrence, David Metcalfe) - 3.30)
7. Could It Be Forever - 3.55
8. Fantasy Moods - 4.11
9. Angel - 3.24
10. Alone (David Read) - 4.31
11. Afterthought (David Read, Geoff Whitehorn, David Metcalfe) - 7.26)
All compositions by Paul Lawrence, David Read except where stated
Tracks 1,2,10,11 recorded in 1970 as Chapel Farm
Tracks 3,4,5,7,8,9 recorded in 1976
Track 6 recorded in 1973 b-side single (Politely Insane)
Fantasy
*Geoff Whitehorn - Guitar (Tracks 1,2,10,11)
*Paul Petley - Vocals (Tracks 1,2,10,11)
*David Read - Bass, Vocals
*David Metcalfe - Keyboards, Vocals (Tracks 1,2,6,10,11)
*Paul Lawrence - 12 String Guitar, Vocals (Tracks 3-9)
*Peter James - Lead Guitar, Vocals (Track 6)
*Jon Webster - Drums, Percussion, Vocals (Track 6)
*Nick Page - Bass (3-5,7-9)
*Malcom Page - Drums (3-5,7-9)
