CARGO

4.5 stars. CARGO were a Dutch band who released this sole album back in 1972. A four piece with dual lead guitars, a drummer and bassist/vocalist. I have to say this was another album that was love at first listen. Four long tracks giving the band plenty of time to jam and the two other albums I was reminded of were WISHBONE ASH's "Argus" and SATIN WHALE's "Desert Places". Melodic, pleasant, just such a feel good vibe to all of these albums with the guitars leading the way.

"Sail Inside" rocks pretty good early on with vocals helping out before we get this extended guitar driven instrumental section from after 4 minutes to almost the end. So good! Vocals are back very late to end it. A great opener. "Cross Talking" is my favourite and as the title suggests this is about the dual guitars talking back and forth. Man this was is so incredibly catchy too with some excellent drum work. I got caught sitting in the parking lot at work bobbing around and as I looked up a guy is smiling at me as he was going through the drive-thru. Funny. It's all so intricate and catchy and check it out 5 minutes in at it's most passionate.

"Finding Out" is the shortest piece at just over 5 minutes and my least favourite. It's still interesting though with the prominent bass and guitars. Vocals too and the drums are relentless. Vocals are there early on and late. "Summerfair" rivals "Cross Talking" as my favourite. A 15 1/2 minute tour de force where we get some dreamy, summertime sounds that are laid back and so enjoyable and pleasant. Lots of jamming and I really like the vocals bringing the early seventies to mind. Themes are repeated on this beauty, just a pleasure.

This should be much more well known. I prefer it to "Argus" but would rate "Desert Places" higher. A must for fans of melodic guitar driven music.