CZAR

This album is one of the most legendary and expensive (nearly 1000 dollars) of the early British progressive albums and in terms of musical quality this is also about the best that it ever gets. An absolute masterpiece! The group were a quartet of Mick Ware, Del Gough, Bob Hodges, and Paul Kendrick with a heavy emphasis on blasting brainlashing heavy rock/psych guitar pitted against subtle, beautiful melodies. The sound is at times reminiscent of both Crimson and Zeppelin, but with psychedelic late 60s touches too. Arguably, this is a more solid and mature album than Spring even with better playing, better songs, better arrangements. The 7 tracks on the album all have a special little twist to them that makes each song special. The vocals are a strong point here- often harmonies and always very melodic. I discovered this album via a bad CD bootleg 10 years ago. Two years ago I bought an original in mint condition for a whopping price- and I say if you want progressive rock at its peak with energy, enthusiasm, skill, and atmosphere this is the best one there is and well worth it! A fantastic album in a great sleeve, Masterpiece sounds about right! Love it!