TAKO

Imagine a combination of the melodicism and pastoral moods of Trespass-era Genesis with the jazz-flavoured chops of Relayer-era Yes, marinade in classic-era Camel's willingness to dial back on the vocals and let the instrumental work do the talking, then sprinkle on some spacey, psychedelic atmosphere, and maybe you'll start thinking along the same sort of directions that Tako take on this debut album. The magnificent Druga Strana Mene is the truly standout track, a 16 minute voyage that fascinates for its entire running time, but the shorter pieces that build up to it are also laudable. Đorđe Ilijin gets the most valued player award with memorable contributions on both keyboards and flute.