This one is for all fusion fans out there. Founded in the UK in 1972 by guitarist Gary Boyle, this is the band’s third release. Buoyed on by the success of similar British outfits of the time (Coliseum, Brand X and Soft Machine), there were a lot of go’s fusion bands around at the time. I remember seeing the band on The Old Grey Whistle Test and really liking what I was hearing. There was a lot more variety on labels back then as they were willing to take a chance on non-chart specific bands, but bands that were album orientated in there approach. It’s great to hear musicians of this quality just going for it. The playing is exceptional throughout, and with killer production, this is highly recommended record if your that way inclined.
The opening and closing tracks on Side 1 Mr. M’s Picture and Black Sand are wonderful tunes with lots of groove, swing, and superb musicianship. Fonebone is my personal happy track as the funk is alive and well on this piece. If you like to stretch your brain with new musical experiences then you should give this a try.
8/10 from The Grooveman.
