First Utterance (1971) - Comus

First Utterance by Comus, released in 1971, is a haunting and groundbreaking masterpiece of progressive folk. With its eerie, unsettling atmosphere and unconventional song structures, the album has achieved cult status over the years. Drawing on themes of madness, violence, and the macabre, it takes the listener on a journey into the darker corners of the human psyche. Comus’ fusion of folk instrumentation, avant-garde experimentation, and chilling vocal performances creates an album that is as captivating as it is unsettling.

Tracklist:

1. Diana
2. The Herald
3. Drip Drip
4. Song to Comus
5. The Bite
6. Bitten
7. The Prisoner

First Utterance opens with Diana, a track that immediately sets the tone with its frantic energy and unsettling lyrics. The interplay of acoustic guitars, percussion, and Roger Wootton’s wild, almost maniacal vocal delivery creates a sense of urgency and unpredictability.

The nine-minute epic The Herald offers a sharp contrast. It’s a melancholic and hauntingly beautiful piece, driven by delicate guitar work and haunting vocals by Bobbie Watson. The song unfolds like a dream, filled with lush textures and an almost hypnotic quality.

Drip Drip delves deeper into the macabre, with lyrics that paint a vivid picture of obsession and violence. The track’s ominous progression and intense dynamics highlight Comus' ability to evoke unease while maintaining a captivating musicality.

The centerpiece of the album, Song to Comus, is perhaps its most iconic track. It encapsulates the band’s unique style with its frenetic rhythms, darkly poetic lyrics, and theatrical vocal performance. The song feels like a celebration of the grotesque, blending folk traditions with avant-garde chaos.

The Bite and Bitten continue the exploration of dark themes with unsettling instrumentation and raw emotion. The latter serves as a brief, atmospheric interlude that heightens the tension before the final track.

The Prisoner closes the album on an equally eerie note, reflecting on themes of confinement and insanity. The song’s layered arrangement and shifting moods leave a lasting impression, cementing First Utterance as a deeply evocative work of art.

First Utterance is an album that defies easy categorization. Its unique blend of progressive folk and avant-garde elements creates a sound that is entirely its own. Among my favorite tracks are The Herald, for its melancholic beauty, Song to Comus, for its chaotic energy, and Drip Drip, for its visceral intensity.

This album is not just music—it’s an experience. It demands full attention and rewards the listener with a journey into the darkest corners of the human soul. For anyone intrigued by the intersection of folk, experimentation, and the macabre, First Utterance is an essential listen, a haunting masterpiece that lingers long after the final note.