NOOKS

This album is a real symphonic gem from the mid-70s. Ragnarok were New Zealand's premier prog group, and this record stands up with the best. It reminds me a lot of Sebastian Hardie in its lush textures and excellent guitar playing. The vocals are good, but unobtrusive and perhaps a little lacking in excitement, but I'll take on-key over exciting any day. The band had two keyboard players, who are allowed to stretch out on a number of beautiful, pastoral ballads. There's even a brief section of boogie-rock a la Status Quo, which, oddly, doesn't feel out of place. Overall, it's hard to pinpoint why this album is so appealing, but it is undoubtedly a very melodic, peaceful and engaging listening experience.