CAMEL

With their 1973 debut the English (symphonic) progressive rock group Camel derived a tad late on the scene. On this record the band introduces itself fully formed with a strong symphonic prog record with a hint of Canterbury type jazz-rock (think of Kahn, Hatfield and Caravan). Whilst their instrumental side ('Six Ate' and 'Arubuluba)' with melodic (hard)rock guitar by Latimer and organs, synth and mellotron by Barden would hint at the Canterbury groups, their song-writing (most notably 'Mystic Queen' and 'Never Let Go') had more of magical melancholy touch of bands like Genesis and King Crimson. The slightly off-style opening song 'Slow Yourself Down' has a latin-rock touch and drowsy vocals by Latimer, yet is does introduce to the world the fantastic guitar talent Latimer would prove to be. By playing their progressive rock rather intense, yet very much controlled (made possible by the fantastic Andy Ward on drums) the band would add the much needed rock to progressive rock. My only complaint about this album is that there's actually so little so say about it. Its just that solid. The follow-up album 'Mirage' would prove to be a step up for the band on all cylinders, but Camel's debut is easily one of the better albums of 1973 and the fine sounding LP shouldn't be absent in any serious symphonic or Canterbury prog collection.