NEXUS

If In Deep saw Rod Argent trying to steer the group into a more progressive direction, the follow up album Nexus saw him pushing the band into the realm of pure prog with the opening tracks- not hard rock with a few proggy elements thrown in but full tilt PROG.The fact that the album opens rather audaciously (even Genesis generally tucked these away near the end of an album eg Los Endos) with a three part instrumental -"The Coming Of Kohoutek" based in part on the famous Medieval doom laden "Dies Irae" theme.And what an absolute cracker it is.Although not surprisingly, it is dominated by Argents' frenetic keyboard soloing, Russ Ballard provides some tasty licks as well. I particularly love the second part with a slow magisterial church organ line and the way the guitar comes in with this slow but blistering solo.It is just so atmospheric and I can almost visualize the mighty but deadly comet hoving into view.This is what I want from Prog- not just a lot of aimless noodling.Prog this track most certainly is but also very focused and dynamic. The rest of side one contains "Love" a fairly simple ballad and "Music From the Spheres" which is probably the only other real prog epic on the album with an extended instrumental section. If side one is dominated by Argent/White compositions, side two predominantly contains Ballard penned heavy rockers.The opening track on side one "Thunder and Lightning" is particularly heavy and very bombastic. It ranks with my favourite Argent songs "Keeper Of the Flame" is another punchy rocker and keeps the album's momentum going.Argent's sole contribution on side two "Man For All Reasons" is more sedate with its militaristic rhythm. It actually sounds like the sort of music Stryx would go on to make.It is another enjoyable track with an excellent classically inspired instrumental section.In true stle the band end proceedings with another Ballard bluesy rocker.Unlike the previous album's closer this one is actually pretty good.

Nexus is easily the most consistently enjoyable Argent album.I know I am being a little generous here but I cannot resist giving this album the full 5 stars.I love it.

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