MERCATOR PROJECTED

Somewhat more hard-edged and a little less jazzy than the followup (Snafu), East of Eden's Mercator Projected is a credible bit of early prog which compares favourably to King Crimson's debut or Van der Graaf Generator's The Least We Can Do Is Wave To Each Other. Like those two albums, it confidently bridges the psychedelic underground on the one hand and the new frontiers of progressive rock on the other. Dave Arbus in particular deserves acclaim for his violin and flute contributions. Although I think Snafu is the better of the first two East of Eden albums, their quality is so close that I think anyone who enjoyed one would also like the other.