"The Herald" is a centerpiece track from Comus’s cult classic debut album, First Utterance (1971). Comus, an English progressive/psychedelic folk band, are renowned for their dark, avant-garde approach, merging haunting, acoustic textures with mythic and often unsettling lyrical themes. Amidst the album's intense and often disturbing narratives, "The Herald" stands out for its beauty and serenity—a moment of calm in an otherwise shadowy record1.
Musical Style and Structure
- Length: Approximately 12 minutes, making it the longest track on First Utterance1.
- Instrumentation: Features intricate interweaving of 6- and 12-string acoustic guitars, violin, flute, oboe, bass, and angelic vocals.
- Tone: Unlike the album’s harsher pieces, "The Herald" delivers a lush, melancholic atmosphere. Its gentle progressions and unpredictable harmonies build to a dramatic yet peaceful conclusion1.
- Arrangement and Credits:
- Main songwriters: Roger Wootton and Glenn Goring.
- Andy Hellaby developed a unique slide-bass technique that set the atmospheric foundation for the song.
- Bobbie Watson’s vocals add ethereal contrast to the album's typically intense vocal delivery1.
- Distinctiveness: The piece acts as a "12-minute break from that foreboding world" found elsewhere on the record, showcasing the band’s more melodic and wistful side1.
Lyrics and Themes
- Mythic and Wistful: The lyrics evoke a sense of longing, otherworldliness, and mythic narrative, contrasting sharply with the themes of violence and madness found elsewhere on First Utterance.
- Visual Lyricism: Wootton’s writing leans towards deeply poetic and melancholic imagery, contributing to the track’s lasting emotional resonance1.
Album & Band Context
- "First Utterance" (1971): The album is celebrated as a cornerstone of British acid folk, notable for its blend of folk, progressive, and psychedelic elements, and its willingness to confront taboo subjects31.
- Comus Lineup on the Track:
- Roger Wootton – acoustic guitar, lead vocals
- Glenn Goring – 6- and 12-string guitars
- Andy Hellaby – bass guitar
- Bobbie Watson – vocals, percussion
- Rob Young – flute, oboe
- Colin Pearson – violin, viola
- Legacy: While largely overlooked at the time, the band’s work—especially First Utterance and "The Herald"—has since achieved cult status and is revered for its originality and influence on later progressive and experimental folk artists14.
Reception
- Critical View: "The Herald" has been praised for its unpredictable harmonies, intricate acoustic work, and dramatic, emotional ending. It is often highlighted as a favorite among the band's most devoted listeners1.
- Cultural Impact: While the rest of the album gained notoriety for its intensity, "The Herald" is frequently singled out for its serene and haunting beauty—making it a song that deeply resonates with those seeking a peaceful, reflective moment within the album’s darkness51.
Key Points:
- "The Herald" is a uniquely gentle, 12-minute prog folk epic amidst Comus’s otherwise intense First Utterance1.
- Features intricate guitar interplay, atmospheric arrangement, and ethereal vocals.
- Lyrics and mood offer a mythic, melancholy break from the album’s darker themes.
- Revered as a highlight of the acid/progressive folk movement134.
