CAMEL

This energetic debut album by Camel's classic lineup of Andy Latimer (guitar, flute, vocals), Peter Bardens (keyboards, vocals), Doug Ferguson (bass guitar, vocals) and Andy Ward (percussion) features solid, passionate guitar work and rousing keyboards. Ward's drumming is dynamic and tasteful. Ferguson's bass is understated but provides a solid rhythmic/harmonic backbone. The recording rocks harder than much of their later efforts, though interestingly, underlying jazz leanings can be heard throughout, particularly in the instrumental breaks. Cohesive playing very unusual for first efforts is evident on all the tracks, and there is not a bad track to be found. This is not a concept album, but rather one of individual pieces. Overall, it is stunning work. My biggest complaint is that the great instrumental playing truly overshadows what I must honestly say are unexceptional vocal talents---- not bad vocals, but I wouldn't put Andy, Peter or Doug on my top 50 list of vocal performers.