Fruupp was an Irish progressive rock band formed in 1971. Despite their hard work and slots opening for the likes of King Crimson, the band never caught on in their time, though their albums are well-regarded by fans of progressive rock.

Guitarist, singer and writer Vince McCusker had spent some months in London to find musicians for his musical ideas. Disappointed he returned to Belfast and recruited musicians to play his material: Miles McKee (lead vocals), Stephen Houston (keyboards/oboe), Peter Farrelly (bass/vocals) and Martin Foye (drums). They called themselves FRUUPP, the name is derived from an Electroset page, the band added a U and a P.

Fruupp signed a contract with Dawn Records and in ’71 they released the debut album titled "Future Legends", in ’74 followed by the "Seven Secrets" and "The Prince of Heaven’s Eyes". The band was making real progress but Stephen Houston left for religious reasons the band and was replaced by John Mason. In this line-up FRUUPP made their last but acclaimed LP "Modern Masquerades" (’74).

The best introduction to the very distinctive sound of FRUUPP is the compilation CD "Songs for a Thought (Sequel Records 1992) featuring 14 tracks from their four albums. Fruupp showcases a great maturity in writing, combining several styles and showing lots of instruments and changing atmospheres: classic with oboe, folky with acoustic guitars and symphonic with propulsive interplay between electric guitar and organ.

This CD also includes the previously unreleased track On a clear day: an alternating piece with powerful electric guitar playing, tasteful keyboards and strong vocals. The best comparison to the unique Fruupp sound is YES-rooted band like Druid and England but Fruupp sound more sophisticated and more colourful.

thanks to Erik Neuteboom

Stephen Houston is busy recording this colossal musical experience and for all progressive aficionados, this could be a reawakening into where the band would have developed to musically.

"The Thaumaturge" will be an album where the spirit wind of creativity has been let loose and no one is trying to hold onto the rudder. Will there be 'a tour'? Houston has not given any definition to this, but people are talking about the fact that he is recently in receipt of a five and a half thousand watt PA system.

Visit Stephen Houston's Fruup website