Charisma is Raptured Pinebrook 1971
Charisma's two lps are probably THE most low-budget rock recordings I've ever heard. It appears on this one that the master tape even dragged for a second on the first song when the record was being pressed! But the cheapness of the recording cannot mask the enthusiasm and strong songwriting of this teenage Florida band. Liner notes describe the sound as 'Afro-jazz, pure folk, country, acid rock, and ballad". Well I don't know if there's anything on here I'd call 'Afro-jazz" or "acid rock', but what I do hear I like: lots of piano-based rock (recalling early Elton John) and folky cuts, with lead vocals shared by James Dudley (composer of 9 of the 11 songs) and Marijean McCarty, whose beautifully expressive voice brings me close to tears. Overall, the folkrock sound predominates, but the rocky moments are there ("screaming crashing dissonance" the liner says) foreshadowing the group's second release. KS

Last Days Rite 1972
Wait a minute. I do believe you could classify this as... yes... here comes the "p" word... progressive! Well, ok, maybe more like garage rock with some prog influences. Whatever you call it it's miles above their debut. Charges off from the start with the 10-minute groovin' jam feast 'Down At The Crossroads' with guitar, piano, organ, and flute all getting their turn at lead, not to mention a lengthy drum solo at the the end. 'Last Days' is a creative mysterious apocalyptic piece, percussion heavy with time changes and psychy guitar. 'Jesus The Messiah' is rather dramatic and includes a cool prog mid-section that has flashes of the sacred Vindication lp. A couple bluesy cuts: the upbeat 'Nowhere Blues' with slide guitar and piano and the moodier 'Blue Woman'. A few nice piano-led ballads in the neighborhood of the first lp. Real low-tech sound again, especially that organ - but it's far from irritating, more often giving the set a wonderful homegrown basement charm. Every track strong. One of my faves. Both these albums are bigtime rarities. Nice bellbottoms fellas! KS