UK

I remember that I was extremely thrilled when I read about the founding of this 'new progrock supergroup' (first named Alaska) and when I had bought it, I rushed to my room to listen to UK their eponymous debuut LP. After my first listening session I had a bit mixed feelings: I was delighted about songs like In The Dead Of Night, Preso Vivace And Reprise, Alaska and Time To Kill but tracks like By The Light Of Day, Nevermore and especially the final track Mental Medication were not really my cup of tea and I had a bit disappointed feeling about the final two songs of this album. Perhaps I am not up to the jazzy undertones and Alland Holdsworth his distinctive guitar sound, it's such a contrast to the mindlbowing symphonic prog songs, fueled by Eddie Jobson his Yamaha CS80 synthesizer wizardy (Presto Vivace and Alaska) and his spectacular work on the electric violin (Time To Kill). Looking at the ratings of fellow collabarators, I notice that there are almost as much 5 star ratings (a masterpiece) as 3 star ratings (just good), this illustrates my mixed feelings I still have when I listen to this album. I prefer their second effort because they sounded better as a trio and I still feel very lucky that I attented a concert during their Danger Money tour, what an unique band and what a pity that Jobson and Wetton clashed about the musical direction!