BEYOND EXPRESSION

An all out progressive assault, Finch breaks the doors open with this 1976 release. Still heavily influenced by the usual symphonic groups, Finch takes this release a step further and introduces some Allman Brothers influence. It's not clear how much the group members listened to the Allmans, but "A Passion Condenser" is heavily reminiscent of certain Allman Bros staples, like "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed, "You Don't Love Me", even "High Falls". It's a shame few other progressive groups took this approach. This element gives the music a happy, intimate feeling many progressive records lack.

Beyond Expression is an essential album for the discerning collector. A flying space sperm with a flaming mohawk on the cover wraps up this classic package.