14.10.2009.
Arzachel - Arzachel (1969) (@256)
(Review from progarchives.com)
This could be seen as the first Egg album, Arzachel (also known as Uriel) is essentially Egg + Steve Hillage. The band recorded this album in one afternoon, making it all the more remarkable. Boasting ethereal organ from Dave Stewart and the oh-so English vocals of both Mont Campbell and Steve Hillage, this album is a real treat.
The album starts off with the short and efficient "Garden of Earthly Delights", a track driven by Stewart's organ and alternating verses sung by Hillage and Campbell. It is an incredible track that gets things off to an energetic and decidedly English beginning. "Azathoth" brings things down a bit, featuring haunting church organ and distant vocals from Hillage. Moving at a slow, stately pace, one hardly expects the organ-noise, which erupts halfway through before falling back into its hymnal melody. "Queen St. Gang" is an understated instrumental which continues much in the vein of "Azathoth", slowly churning along but progressing beautifully all the while. "Leg" is a bit less successful than the previous three tracks, delving into blues and away from the delicious psychedelia. It reminds of Jethro Tull circa 1968-69 with organ instead of guitar.
The album concludes with two lengthy jams, "Clean Innocent Fun" which is pretty good, though derivative. The second jam, the sixteen minute monster, "Metempsychosis" is in par with any 60s Pink Floyd instrumental in terms of madness. It slowly moves along, gaining momentum, and Hillage and Stewart in tandem are both ugly and hypnotic in this piece. It finally concludes with some distorted organ. Apparently the band watched the clock during the whole jam and only played until they had an album filled. The song is incredible however, but takes a few listens. True, experimental psychedelia at its most acid laced.
This is a good and energetic record. It shows just how talented these young kids were at the time, barely out of high school. Highly recommended to fans of psych, space, blues and canterbury, it hits all of the bases.
Line-up :
- Clive Brooks / drums
- Mont Campbell / bass, vocals
- Dave Stewart / organ
- Steve Hillage / guitar, vocals
Track List :
01. Garden of Earthly Delights - 2:45
02. Azathoth - 4:21
03. Queen St. Gang - 4:25
04. Leg - 5:40
05. Clean Innocent Fun - 10:23
06. Metempsychosis - 16:38
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