ARZACHEL - URIEL

This is a private pressing of their 1969 album, done by some surviving members and for the fans. It is a fans edition. In addition to the songs from the 1969 album, there is also six bonus tracks.

Let me start to say that the packaging is great. It is a pity that this is a limited edition album only sold by the band itself. The music itself is a collection of some of the strongest songs to come out of the Canterbury/the British Psychedelic/Space Rock scene ever. The musicians is Steve Hillage, Dave Stewart, Mont Campbell and Clive Brooks. The band split later on to form the likes of Egg + many other bands.

The music here is full of heavy guitars (Steve Hillage), thundering bass and drums plus Dave Stewart's rampant Hammond organ. This is heavy, noisy Canterbury influenced Psychedelic/Space Rock. The songs from the 1969 album is pure high quality with the opener Garden of Earthly Delights as the best song. It is one of the best songs to ever come out of this scene, period.

The bonus tracks is various oddities. But they are never bad and never boring. The sound is dirty and spacey. But there is no fall or improvement sound wise from the original 1969 album to the bonus tracks. Hence, this whole entity feels like one unity.

In my view, this is the ultimate Arzachel album and a great addition to any Canterbury collection. I would say; an essential addition to a well stocked Canterbury collection. But most of all; the music here is great and great fun. It has put a smile on my face.

4 stars