Universe - Universe (1971, Flawed Gems 2014)⭐

Artist: Universe
Title Of Album: Universe
Year Of Release: 1971/2014
Label: Flawed Gems
Country of Artist (Band): UK
Genre: Heavy blues rock
Audio codec: FLAC (*.flac)
Rip type: tracks+.cue
Audio bitrate: lossless

Universe was a Welsh rock band formed in the late 1960s, marrying progressive and blues musical elements with a powerful sound. Guitarist Steve Finn, bassist John Healen, and drummer Rob Reynolds formed the nucleus of the band, initially playing under the name Deep Blue Centre, then Spoonfull, rehearsing a set that included covers and originals influenced by acts like Cream, John Mayall, and Jimi Hendrix. By 1970, they had become Universe, the name reflecting the expansive ambition of their evolving music.

Universe became known for their stellar live performances, playing countless gigs across Wales and well beyond. They shared stages with acts such as Jethro Tull, Yes, and Graham Bond, while also enduring a character-building but arduous tour of Hamburg and Norway.

The constant touring polished their sound and inspired original material such as "Twilight Winter" and "A Woman's Shape." In 1971, the band recorded an album and a single, both self-titled, in Norway; these recordings later became prized finds among collectors. Though Universe's time was brief, their music endures as a fascinating chapter of the underground rock scene in Wales. With Steve Finn's ongoing solo work and the reissue of their recordings, Universe holds a unique place in early '70s rock history.

These recordings later became prized finds among collectors. Though Universe's time was brief, their music endures as a fascinating chapter of the underground rock scene in Wales. With Steve Finn's ongoing solo work and the reissue of their recordings, Universe holds a unique place in early '70s rock history.

Tracks:
1. Twilight Winter - 7:03
2. Cocaine (Traditional) - 6:52
3. Universe - 3:36
4. Rolling - 3:57
5. Spanish Feeling - 10:39
6. The Annexe (Mike Jones, Steve Finn, Mike Blance, John Healan, Steve Keelev) - 6:22
7. Bleak House - 2:52
8. Track Four (Mike Jones) - 1:07
9. A Woman's Shape (Steve Finn) - 3:24
10.Shadows Of The Sun - 3:29
11.Waiting For The Summer - 7:50
Bonus Tracks 9-11

Personnel:
Mike Jones - Guitar, Slide Guitar, Vocals
Steve Finn - Guitar, Harmonica, Piano, Vocals
Mike Blance - Keyboards, Vocals
John Healan - Bass Guitar, Vocals
Steve Keelev - Drums, Percussion, Vocals