Original released on LP Vertigo 6360 004
(UK, 1970)
The
self-titled album by the short-lived outfit Affinity displays a lot of
potential, which if not wholly successful has an individuality separating them
from their more jazzy and progressive peers. If Linda Hoyle's talent for fusing
the vocal traits of Bessie Smith, Grace Slick, and Sandy Denny together
semi-successfully is the defining point, then Lynton Naiff's pounding Hammond
workouts fall somewhere between the exceptional and the overdone. With the
addition of John Paul Jones' fine brass arrangements, which are to the fore
throughout, a very soulful feel reminiscent of the latter work of Brian Auger,
Julie Driscoll & the Trinity is created. And the album's variety of moods
sustains interest throughout. "Coconut Grove" (the Lovin' Spoonful
song) is given a similar slow treatment to Donovan's diversions into jazz on
Sunshine Superman, notably "The Observation," while a heavier element
is supplied by a few heavy Hammond
numbers, with a take on Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower" being the
most impressive. Although over 11 minutes long, some complex progressive organ
work similar to Caravan's David Sinclair is displayed, preventing it from
becoming predictable. A forlorn baroque Harpsichord interpretation of the
Everly Brothers' "I Wonder if I Care as Much" adds a haunting quality
to the set with Jones' string arrangements and Hoyle's vocals working hand in
hand, and "Mr. Joy" allows the young singer to pay patronage to her
heroine, Grace Slick, in which the Jefferson Airplane comparisons can really be
heard. At times overambitious. And a plethora of cover versions given the
progressive treatment instead of Affinity originals is a major letdown. But as
an early work of post-'60s progression, this album is a pleasurable experience
recalling the days when musicians and singers really worked hard at what they
did. (in AllMusic)