Rediscovering a Hidden Gem: A Deep Dive into Cressida’s Asylum (1971)
Album Review: Asylum by Cressida
Introduction
Released in 1971, Asylum is the second and final studio album by the English progressive rock band Cressida. Known for their melodic sensibility and sophisticated arrangements, the group combined elements of classical, jazz, and rock to create a distinctive sound. Asylum stands as a prime example of early ’70s British prog, demonstrating the band’s maturity and musical depth.
For some the emotional resonance and softness of the album feels a bit weak compared to the more fiery and technical bands of the time, but for me its a very heartfelt, strong, authentic and deeply moving album.
When I first heard this album, I asked my father can we get to the heavy part and we were taken to the last song “Let Them Come When They Will” which really is not very heavy at all, but me, being only 16 years old I wanted the most impactful music, Led Zeppelin, Red Hot Chilli’s, Jimi Hendrix, Lenny Kravitz, Ocean Color Scene.
Little did I know, over time, this would become one of my favourite albums of all time and I think it was a couple of years later in my early 20’s I realised that the more obscure 70s music gave me a lot more inspiration as a musician than a lot of the more mainstream artists. It was around this time I found thousands of bands all over the world that truly moved me.
Cressida Photo
Album Overview
- Artist: Cressida
- Album: Asylum
- Release Date: 1971
- Label: Vertigo Records
- Genre: Progressive Rock
Asylum showcases longer and more ambitious compositions compared to the band’s debut, with rich instrumentation and intricate structures that would appeal to fans of bands like Yes, Colosseum, and Gentle Giant.
Tracklisting
- Asylum (3:33)
- Munich (9:33)
- Goodbye Post Office Tower, Goodbye (2:50)
- Survivor (1:34)
- Reprieved (2:28)
- Lisa (5:08)
- Summer Weekend of a Lifetime (3:25)
- Let Them Come When They Will (11:44)
Track Analysis
1. Asylum
The album opens with the title track, a concise yet dynamic piece that sets the tone with its blend of strong melodies and shifting moods.
2. Munich
At over nine minutes, “Munich” is one of the album’s centrepieces, marked by dramatic contrasts, classical-inspired passages, and instrumental virtuosity, a romantic sound with deep emotion and great songwriting. The soaring and emotive lead guitar alongside rhythmic Hammond playing is surely a sound I have come to love and always will, typical of the 70’s progressive rock music.
The whole song takes you away into another world and the feeling that in 2025 we do not hear so often in music, fire, emotion, passion, time signature changes, songeriting.
3. Goodbye Post Office Tower, Goodbye
A lighter, shorter piece with a whimsical tone, providing a moment of levity amidst the more serious compositions. A very catchy song with perhaps a bit of dark humour, again Peter Jennings small piano solo is gripping and fluid.
4. Survivor
A brief but intense track that delivers energy in just over a minute and a half.
5. Reprieved
Another short piece, reflective and atmospheric, showcasing the band’s ability to create mood in compact form.
Absolutely love the piano in this song with its melancholy feel that has an innocence to it and reminds me that perhaps this is why I like Horace Silver’s Playing so much.
For me it’s also interesting how I have not learnt to play piano like my father…. Perhaps one day
6. Lisa
Melodic and tender, “Lisa” adds emotional depth to the album with its heartfelt vocals and softer arrangement. Very captivating in the second half of the song.
Also a nice appearance from John Culley, which my only gripe with this album would be I wish there had been more lead guitar.
7. Summer Weekend of a Lifetime
Uplifting and accessible, this track captures the more melodic side of Cressida’s sound.
8. Let Them Come When They Will
The album closes with its longest track, an epic at nearly twelve minutes. This piece pulls together the band’s strengths: complex structures, dynamic interplay, and emotional depth and intensity.
Opening with Angus Cullen and his folky vocal sound, the song suddenly shifts into a jazz-rock jam section with a proper clean guitar solo by John Culley, and then an organ solo with great attack.
I could say more about the song but you just have to listen to find out!
Musician Lineup
- Vocals: Angus Cullen
- Organ, Piano, Mellotron, Harpsichord: Peter Jennings
- Guitar: John Heyworth (on most tracks), John Culley (on others)
- Bass: Kevin McCarthy
- Drums: Iain Clark
- Producer: Ossie Byrne
Significance and Appeal
Though Cressida never achieved mainstream success, Asylum has since been recognised as a hidden gem of the progressive rock era. Its combination of intricate musicianship and melodic songwriting gives it a timeless quality, appealing to collectors and prog enthusiasts alike.
Collecting Asylum
Original vinyl pressings of Asylum on Vertigo Records are highly sought-after and can command significant prices on the collector’s market. Their rarity makes them especially prized among fans of early progressive rock.
Conclusion
Asylum by Cressida is a remarkable example of early ’70s British progressive rock, blending complexity and accessibility with finesse. For listeners interested in the golden era of prog, this album is a rewarding discovery that continues to resonate more than five decades after its release.
