PICTURES

Few bands deserve the "eclectic" descriptor more than Island. Pictures presents extended compositions that are generally based on symphonic conventions, but include heavy doses of fusion (often of a Canterbury nature), theatrical lyrics influenced by Peter Gabriel and Peter Hammill in equal portions (but perhaps most reminiscent of all of fellow continental prog masters Ange), avant-garde Gentle Giant-like moments, and the occasional hypnotic rhythm reminiscent of Zeuhl. Add some creepy cover art from Giger and the occasional Art Zoyd-esque spooky atmosphere to match, and there's your package.

The highly complex and technical material is let down a little by the fuzzy sound quality on some editions, but it's still a very solid effort - I wouldn't go so far as to call it essential by any stretch of the imagination, but I've found it's grown somewhat on me over time.