CAMEL

A very promising and strong debut! Camel's eponymous first album, released in 1973, is definitely a tremendous beginning to one of prog's most intriguing stories. Formed in '71 in Guildford, Surrey, Camel was surely a prog rock band of humble beginnings. Releasing their very first album in a year when bands like Yes, King Crimson, Genesis, Gong, among many more were releasing their fifth or sixth albums, is definitely a sign of challenge and nervous expectation. Surprisingly or not, Camel have gained a cult following since then for good reasons, claiming somewhat of a title of 'the unsung heroes' of the genre of progressive rock.

Upon releasing 'Camel', the band consisted of Andrew Latimer on guitar and vocals (on two tracks), Peter Bardens on all keyboards, including organ, piano, VCS3, and the absolutely mandatory mellotron and vocals (once again, on two tracks), Doug Ferguson on bass and vocals (as expected, on two of the tracks), and Andy Ward on drums and percussion. Rooted in symphonic rock and Canterbury scene-ish riffing, this first album showcases a strong affinity towards the music of Genesis, Yes, and Caravan but with a strong sense of identity and originality.

A bold debut, and a very accomplished album on its own, 'Camel' surely sets a high standard from this point on with the rocky 'Slow Yourself Down' or the more psychedelic 'Mystic Queen'. Then the band go full-on Canterbury style on the instrumental 'Six Ate'. 'Separation' is what I would refer to as the most negligible song, and least memorable. 'Never Let Go' must be one of prog's hidden gems, as it is surely not coming up as often as it should when speaking of 70s classics of the genre. 'Curiosity' is a fantastic track with lead vocals from Ferguson, and 'Arubaluba' is another quirky instrumental to finish off on a high note.

Underrated and underappreciated from the general public, met without much enthusiasm, 'Camel' is an album with a very recognizable atmosphere and a strong sense of identity that is yet to be completely polished. On the other hand, this is another very impressive debut from a young band, at the time, as it often happens in progressive rock.