The odd tale of Second Sign (Part one)

A few years ago, I came across a strange internet find: a CD of my old London band Second Sign, complete with a booklet of the band’s story. I recognized the music since I wrote some of the tunes and the story cross-referenced with actual facts, but it totally escapes me as to why the songs which in my opinion were of questionable quality, would end up being released on a CD by UK Archives without my knowledge or that of some other members of the band. The truth is that Second Sign saw more than its share of members. From the endless list of drummers, bass players and lead singers, any could have seen fit to release an album that technically did not belong to them. I formed the band with South African composer and rhythm guitarist Andy Dunlop, a good friend of songwriter and producer Terry Dempsey (David Cassidy’s “Daydreamer”). Actually, and to digress a bit, Andy and Terry co-wrote a song that we recorded at Terry’s Surrey Sound studios in Leatherhead, where at the time the Police were tracking their first record. I remember standing in front of Stuart Copeland’s drum set and wondering if our current drummer could ever play something like that… I’m not saying that Dave (our drummer) was not good, but Stu was better and nicer (I incidentally re-met with Stuart again years later in San Francisco.) Just before I left England for the States, Andy as it turned out, bought a boat that he was going to sail back to South Africa, but bad planning and unexpected weather had it that he did not even reach the mouth of the Thames before he ended up beached and homeless. But knowing Andy, he was going to be fine.
I probably will never know who put the CD out, and honestly, I don’t care even in the face of copyright infringements and the lack of credits on some tracks. It is not such a great record, and it is definitely not worth fighting for. But still, somebody found it worthy enough for release…


38 Earlham Street, Second Sign's digs in Covent Garden in the 70's. The numbers hand painted by Andy Dunlop were still there 10 years later when this photo was taken...

Ultra rare previously unreleased progressive rock album recorded at Escape Studios in Kent during the mid 70s. Taken from original master tapes this mysterious group featured the delightful female vocals of Irene Menasche which are as impressive as Spirogyra's Barbara Gaskin and Pauline Filby of Narnia of which some of this material is comparable. French born guitarist Francis Voignier adds a harder edge to some of the songs including several fast paced and catchy tunes whilst providing haunting flute to the meandering `Mad River' that also features spellbinding vocals from Irene. Second Sign's tour de force `Golden Age' is a nine minute prog-rock epic full of stunning harmonies and great guitar solos, wonderful Hammond organ and gripping time changes. Imagine classic Fruupp laced with sublime female vocals and you get the picture. Comes with full band history detailing the interesting tale behind this forgotten gem.

ALBUM REVIEW