DOWN TO EARTH

Nektar's concept album about life in the circus is a fabulous frolic into new territory for the band. They depart from lengthy space rock epics to embrace oddball ditties about aspects of some imaginary circus on Down to Earth. The characters that permeate the album include an Astral Man, Nelly the Elephant, an Early Morning Clown, a Fidgety Queen, Oh Willy, and a Little Boy. Each song highlights the character one by one until we get to the bizarre Finale.

The contributions by Bob Calvert as ringmaster are wonderful along with a plethora of cameos. Nektar are driven by harmonies, accomplished musicianship, and weird lyrics that maybe an allegory that is hidden in the meaning beyond the surface. That's Life deserves a mention for its tasty baseline and innovative structure. Nelly the Elephant is also a favourite with its plodding pace feeling like an elephant stalking towards you.

Overall Down to Earth is a decent eclectic album, if not as brilliant as Recycled, Remember the Future or Tab in the Ocean that are the masterpieces that may never be surpassed in the Nektar catalogue.