PLAYGROUND

Wow totally different than their first mostly ambient 1976 electronic album (In Search of Ancient Gods) which I did not care for at all. Their intent was to be totally different on this one, and they did just that. This is straight up excellent complex and diverse yet unique late 70s prog/fusion mix (recorded 1977/78) with vocals that do not detract, dashes of fusion and harder rock. Production is excellent...both clear and warm. Recorded at CTS Wembley studio on the first Neve automated console, and it sounds like it, organic and state of the art for it's time. Guitar lines take center stage over a keyboards foundation a lot of the time. Drums are excellently complex, great feel and flow to the technical playing. Dashes of late 70s hard rock/metal almost (double bass in parts). Lots of creative changes and odd meters, keeping you at attention and surprised for what is to come next at every twist and turn.

I almost hear bits of Supertramp mixed with Gentle Giant if that makes any sense. Also Greenslade because of the jazzy prog blend and vocals remind me of Dave Lawson, thru a Daevid Allen or Steve HIllage filter, tho not jazz enough to be canterbury. A pinch of KC and VDGG edge. Really neat mix, Maybe some early Saga, Brand X, Alan Parsons Project, Camel, a dose of Gong, even borderline AOR ala Ambrosia, and yacht rock Doobie Bro/Steely Dan vibes with the chorused Rhodes, An overall quirky britishness is always present. Lots of floating lush keyboard pads set an ethereal spacey mood. Quite bright, fresh and uplifting, Keyboards mostly fender rhodes adds to the 70s fusion feel but doesn't push it to jazz.

Why this album was not released til 2024 is crazy...the reason cited was the new punk trend made their label drop it. If this was released then I think it would be a solid classic, The late 70s was not my fave prog period, but these guys really take the best of that time period and twist it into something their own, really stands out as special, I cannot think anything that sounds like it. They probably could have been big with their seamless mix of accessibility meets complexity, really surpassing so many of the best prog groups of the time at that. Very few mixed prog and fusion so seamlessly, along with the great balance of songwriting, vocals and technical playing, just super all around.

I think most any prog fan will find much to like as it covers a wide ground, just not their early dark electronic ambient style, but that is fine as that was quite an odd love it or hate it album, this one had/has far more mass appeal but never got it's due, so check it out and show it the attention it should have gotten back then, a real time capsule treasure. Just wish it were longer, feels about 3 songs too short. Please guys release more if any left in the vaults, a new fave.