OF QUEUES AND CURES

Being a newbie to the genre, I was completely blown away by this stunning band.While GILGAMESH didn't impress me much (and I need to check Hatfields, haven't got them yet), NATIONAL HEALTH has everything a progger needs: complex and frequently changing signatures, shifitng moods and tempos, true sense of progressiveness and pushing-the-boundaries attitude, excellent musicianship and unquestionable talent. The best ones here are Dave and Pip (man, what a drummer!!!) The opening "Bryden" track opens with peaceful scene, followed by fiery fusion part.This moment on 4.39 - good Lord, what a break!!! "The Collapso" ,which is playing right now in my headphones, opens with odd steeldrums and jerking organ, later shifting into more powerful tune."Squarer for the Maud" consists from several different themes (what a great stuff begins at 4.08!), each of them significantly melodical and greatly played. "Dreams wide Awake" - a good example of groovy and humorous prog."Binoculars" opens with vocalesque part - some type of a song here - ending with the same part and haunting ballad coda.8 seconds of cheerful insanity in "Phlankton" prove that this is an album of the week for me! ;-). Closing reprise of "Bryden 2 Step" fills you with anticipating of something more to come...I mean, your post-listening state will be a bit strange...well, it was in my case...

In conclusion: being a newbie to jazz/fusion/canterbury/any kinds of more ODD and WEIRD stuff (nevertheless being a huge fan of Crimso ;-) ) , I was caught by this album without noticing.Now it's too late - I've already written my review giving them a 4.49 stars. This one is a bit more acessible, then the first one - which I love too! - so this one is more recommended for a newbies like me!

PS: man, what musicians they are!..incredible and inreachable...