UNORTHODOX BEHAVIOUR

Despite Phil Collins being a core member of this British fusion four-piece, "Unorthodox Behaviour" is certainly no Genesis record. It's actually a surprise that this group never got more traction, not only because of the famous name in the line-up but also because this album, as with their albums to follow, is really incredible.

The album is completely instrumental and its sound is full and complex at times, nonchalant and mysterious at others. Breakneck numbers like "Nuclear Burn" and "Running On Three" are showcases of some of the finest drum work Phil Collins ever laid down, though no one band member ever steals the show. The amount of interplay in this group is stunning and the music is very well balanced between loose and complex. Songs like "Born Ugly" are especially brilliant at going through frequent time and tempo changes while still flowing organically. "Unorthodox Behaviour" really is a very good example of 70's fusion and really plays up the atmosphere; its shady urban moods and 60's espionage undertones are sublime. My only problem with the album is that, while it's pleasant to hear while it's playing, doesn't stick with you too well once it's finished; most of the songs are good but not very memorable. I'd recommend this album to fans of Jeff Beck's 70's solo fusion albums but it should really appeal to any fusion fan.

3.5 stars rounded down for four strong players producing some very good work.