A TOAST TO PANAMA RED

'A Toast to Panama Red' is Masters Apprentices most accomplished approach to prog rock and it is a fabulous album. Each track chugs along with some excellent guitar from Ford and the wonderful vocals of Keays. Time sig changes are prevalent throughout and very well structured compositions that begin and end without flourish.

'The Answer Lies Beyond' motorvates along at a nice medium pace with cool riffs and pulsating drum beats of Burgess. The slow meandering phased guitar of Ford carries along 'Beneath the Sun'. The vocals are quiet, and there is no chorus, as is the case for most of the tracks. It changes direction mid way through with a hypnotic riff, strange effects and psychedelic nuances.

This was 1972 and prog had survived the birth pangs and was beginning to flourish with this type of heavy psych approach which was complex and not just designed for pot heads. Keays drew the album cover and his wife wrote out the lyrics in her own hand, it was a real collaborative effort. 'Games We Play 1' is surrealistic and off kilter with an early Sabbath feel in the guitar work with very erratic drumming. The 7 minute track changes moods and launches into an ace bassline by Wheathers that drives it along, than Ford's lead punctuates the track with high pitched fret screams.

'Games We Play 2' is an instrumental that heavily relies on a driving guitar riff and showcases the musical prowess of the band. 'The Prophet' poem is read over the music in true Hawkwind style and choral voices from the Crikey Choir! This enhances the track with an ethereal quality and its worth a listen though only available on this album.

The next track 'The Lesson So Listen' opened the vinyl album side 2 and is held together by a progtastic riff; angular guitar and intricate drum patterns propel it along. The contagious melody of 'Love Is' is a definite highlight, and is a track that boasts some imaginative use of brass and acoustic flourishes. There is an excellent lead break and the estranged lyrics are well sung with multilayered harmonies. 'Memories of St Kilda' is intriguing and works as a rocker that changes signature and blasts to a sudden conclusion.

'Southern Cross' is the highlight of the album featuring an excellent lead guitar solo from Ford, a key to the success of the group. There is some great bass on this too and vibrant drum beats. 'Thyme to Rhyme' is soft album closer with acoustic guitar and is short and to the point.

Conclusively this album is perhaps the best of Masters Apprentices apart from the plethora of compilations that are still being churned out. Great arrangements throughout and innovative structures creating a strange ethereal atmosphere. This is an early 70s look at Aussie Prog and it is well worth a listen. ****