First Utterance is the debut album of the progressive folk band Comus. It was released in 1971, with the opening song "Diana" being released as a single. First Utterance was notable for its unique blend of progressive rock, folk, psychedelia, and elements of paganism and the macabre. The overall thematic tone of the album is of vulnerable innocence facing abusive power, with songs dealing with such themes as necrophilia ("Drip Drip"), rape ("Diana", "Song to Comus") and shock therapy ("The Prisoner"). The record features an acoustic sound, including acoustic guitar, violin, flute, and lyrical, almost Arcadian, female harmonies. References to Comus by other bands and artists include Opeth, citing its lyrics in album and song titles and tattoos. Experimental outfit Current 93 also covered "Diana" as the opening song on their 1997 LP Horsey.
OK, so I'll state up front that this, on the first blush, seems like some bullshit gnomes and goblins prog tosh. It does, thankfully, have some genuinely interesting music in it.
What an excellent pick š This is one of my personal favourite records. There isnāt really another band that sounds like them, except for bands that heard this record and wanted to do the same thing. Some of my fellow reviewers have complained about it being demented or disgusting, but thatās exactly the appeal! And right when weāve been introduced to the ugly world of āDianaā, weāre faced with the spellbinding āThe Heraldā. This isnāt an album you can reduce to a simple statement, rather it is one you can get lost in for years
Engagingly wierd and ahead of its time, but also uneven overall and frequently crossing the line into pretty demented territory. I can see this working very well as the soundtrack to some Wickerman-esque British pastoral horror film. As an album to sit and listen to for musical enjoyment... I don't regret the time spent with it, but doubt I'll be seeking out more.
Fascinating album - perfect feel for the Halloween season!
I've come across this one before- it's uncomfortable in places but iconic. Hard to believe it was two art students. Mesmeric and inviting. It's like a singular glistening gem, never repeated.
Worked for me, but mainly as background music whilst doing other things. But the building intensity and random paths it was taking made me enjoy. 3.9
Psychedelic folk, progressive folk. Ni fu ni fa.
This is interesting for sure. Dark and sort of disturbing. Not sure I would listen again, but glad I heard it at least once. 3 stars.
Couldāve come out yesterday and it wouldnāt surprise me
Prog folk/psychadelic folk from the 70s. It's like they took folk music of the Pentangle/Fairport Convention style and crossed it with King Crimson. And then took it to a very dark place. Favorite songs: The Prisoner, Diana, Drip Drip, Song to Comus Least favorite songs: Bitten 3/5
Interesting listen.
October 15, 2025 As one of the psychos who gave the Incredible String Band 5 stars, I assumed I would greatly appreciate this other strange folk album. And I appreciate it, but I don't love it at this time. The vocals are especially off-putting, especially in the opener "Diana", albeit appropriate for a spooky October night. The lyrics are also creepy, but not always in a good way. Based on the fact I listened to this on the 15th, then the 16th, and am writing this on the 17th possibly means I'm still processing this album. The flute-laden instrumentals are often transcendent.
Pretty good. Prog folk is interesting.
Rating: 6/10 Best songs: Diana
Hm
Sorry this just isnāt my cup of tea.
Didn't strike me very much. At this point I have heard other similar folkish off center stuff. Maybe this came before?
Oh spare me. I'm on the 4th song and want to throw myself off a bridge. It gets more than 1 because the guitars are actually very cool in places. But the overall thing is just disgusting tbh. 2/5.
Lengthy folk LP that doesn't go anywhere or say much of anything ā purely a matter of taste, just never understand the journeys that the albums in this genre go on.
Not one for me. What I am sure is a relaxing and soothing album for some was a cheese grater on styrofoam for me.