A TAB IN THE OCEAN

A mildly engaging blend of heavy British psych and the burgeoning German progressive scene, NEKTAR was one of those few Continental progressive bands to score big in America, even if it was only for one album, that being "Remember the Future". "A Tab in The Ocean" was not even released in the US, but it can easily be seen as an as-yet barely formed precursor to their most popular and best album.

Most of the pieces of the puzzle are already assembled: the blaring and imposing organ of Allan Freeman, the nimble bass of Derek Moore, and especially the rapid fire riffing style of axeman Roy Albrighton. Unfortunately, and particularly on the "epic" title track and the jam oriented "Crying in the Dark", they aren't working together all that well. And as for Albrighton's vocals, never the group's trump card, they are weak right almost from beginning to end. This album can pass between the ears multiple times with only "Desolation Valley", thanks to its sci fi bass line, and the virile "King of Twilight", perhaps the group's tightest and most coherent track, leaving a lasting impression.

If I am forced to focus at gunpoint, I can indeed find pleasing work outside of those high points, particularly in the lengthiest cut, but it never quite comes together as a work worthy of its intended import. I can see why some might rate this highly, simply on the basis of virtuosity and exuberance, but there are plenty of tastier fish in the sea that won't leave you hungering for substance. 2.5 stars rounded down