Purson, England ***Inactive***

News: A couple of years ago Purson broke up. But the Facebook page remains alive, and sure enough Rosalie Cunningham has gone solo. Her first self-titled album is now set to be released on July 26th on Cherry Red. As such, I'm going to keep this page alive for both acts. As for the album, here is what her website says: "Rosalie’s eponymous début album – due for release in early 2019 – is the result of an extended period of reflection and will contain her strongest and most daring songwriting to date, ranging from a three minute Blackbird-esque nod to her creative hero Sir Paul McCartney, to an epic prog rock saga that will take the listener on the mother of all sonic journeys."

Facebook (Purson)
Facebook (Rosalie Cunningham)
Website (Rosalie Cunningham)

Samples (Purson)
Samples (Rosalie Cunningham)

Location: Southend-on-Sea, Essex

Overview: The Circle & The Blue Door was an homage to 1971 England, whereas Desire's Magic Theatre seemed more geared toward 1969. They're going in the wrong direction for my tastes, but still intriguing enough to leave as an A-lister.

UMR notes

Pholas Dactylus, Italy

News: And here we are again with another band that has gone missing for 45 years. We are getting word that they will have a new album entitled Hieros Gamos, and it's to be released on January June7th of 2019 (thanks Bas!). New cover attached.

Facebook

Location: Milan

Overview: Pholas Dactylus were a previous "one off" band who released a classic album back in the 1973 heyday. It's most distinguishing feature being that the vocals were narrated/spoken verse sung. I have no notes from UMR to share, though I've owned the album in question for well over 20 years. We'll get to it eventually...