SNAFU

Jazzy without obviously slotting into any particular jazz-influenced tradition of 1970s prog - it's not heavy enough to be a riff on the Mahavishnu Orchestra, the inclusion of Dave Arbus' violin and various wind instruments sets the lineup apart from many other fusion outfits of the time, and whilst there is a certain playfulness to the album it doesn't sound like a product of the Canterbury scene - East of Eden's Snafu is a compelling overlooked gem from the golden age of prog. The band are at their best when they get into intense, extended jams, which the long running time of the tracks offers plentiful scope for, and the inventiveness on display means the album offers a stimulating mental workout for the attentive listener.