Can't recall exactly where and when I first heard of Twelfth Night from Reading, England, but I do know it was in relation to Marillion, one of my all-time favourite bands. The comparisons drawn in the article I read intrigued me enough to investigate this band and subsequently search for their music. Eventually I got my hands on their second studio recording, 'Art & Illusion'. This mini-album was released in October 1984 and was the first without the original singer Geoff Mann. The enigmatic frontman had been replaced by Andy Sears who also played piano and percussion but not only that. Twelfth Night had grown into a quintet as keyboard player Rick Battersby returned to the fold after a year away.
The band was formed in August 1979 by Brian Devoil, drums and percussion; Clive Mitten, bass guitar, guitar and keyboards; Andy Revell, lead guitar and Rick Battersby, keyboards. Geoff Mann was involved early on but only in the capacity as a guest singer. Eventually he was replaced by Electra McLeod. But she departed leaving the band without a permanent singer for some time until Geoff Mann returned, this time on a permanent basis. Having been busy releasing a number of tapes and live recordings the time was now right for Twelfth Night to record their first studio album. 'Fact And Fiction' was duly unleashed but Battersby had left by then only to return a year later in November 1982. Geoff Mann departed in December 1983 and Andy Sears stepped in which brings us to October 1984.
The original version of 'Art & Illusion' contained only 5 songs and was released on Music For Nations on October 12th 1984. Since then, two reissues have occurred, one in 2007 and one in 2010. It's the latter one I'm focusing on and it comes with the additional suffix, 'The Definitive Edition'. Instead of only 5 songs there are now 24 spread over two discs. Apart from the original 5, there are 7 demo songs and 12 live songs culled from the Art & Illusion tour, so the expanded title is very accurate, indeed.
Opening with the excellent new wave-like 'Counterpoint' mainly thanks to Clive Mitten's distinctive bass guitar. While the rest of the band offers a prog sound akin to Marillion et al his playing makes the song into something brand new and brilliant, hence the song title perhaps? Next follows my favourite Twelfth Night song of all time, the title track, 'Art & Illusion'. For this band it is a stomping rocker, if there ever was one. It does carry a lot of weight from Aylesbury's finest but Twelfth Night turns this into their own. On 'C.R.A.B.', a claustrophobic-feeling instrumental, Clive Mitten takes the centre stage again guiding the band through all the emotions on hand. 'Kings & Queens' sees Twelfth Night rock out quite a bit on and off. Progressive leanings are in the front for the most though, weaving back and forth between different tempos. This blend works brilliantly, heightening the greatness of this release. Bringing a feeling of being reborn, of starting a new life, of getting a new chance, 'First New Day' is basically synths, keyboards, a kick drum and a snare. So it's minimalistic yet very effectual.
The first 3 demo songs, 'Blue Powder Monkey', 'Blondon Fair' and 'Take A Look' were recorded for MCA Records, a deal which never materialized, while the other 4 demo songs, 'Counterpoint', C.R.A.B.', 'Kings & Queens' and 'Take A Look' (yet another demo version of it) were recorded prior to the 'Art & Illusion' sessions. The first 2 are definitely new wave compositions, something which appears to an extent on the mini-album, while 'Take A Look' and 'Kings & Queens' embrace the prog rock leanings the band is more known for.
The remaining 12 songs are all recorded live and culled from various locations during the 'Art & Illusion' tour. Over 75 minutes long the music flows such ease and with such brilliance that it feels only 10 minutes has passed once it's over. For me the standout songs are 'The Ceiling Speaks', 'Kings & Queens', 'Creepshow', 'Take A Look' and 'Art & Illusion'. To each their own, of course, as I know you, dear waverider, will have other favourite songs and that's how it should be. And it doesn't remove the greatness of all the songs.
Twelfth Night are still going strong with founding members Devoil and Revell still steering the ship after all these years. If this band are unknown to you 'Art & Illusion' is the ultimate introduction and will guide you smoothly into the world of Twelfth Night. And what a world it is because the band holds a treasure trove of great music and albums, so you're in for an amazing discovery.
- Swedebeast
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