ECHO STREET

Still the old hackneyed label of the most under-rated band in the UK. This is a return to the best of the early albums. Having said that this is definitely a "floats your boat" album. It either does or it doesn't. Mine's planing on a tsunami. This is exactly what I want from a prog album. It's now one of my DIDs (Desert Island Disks).

So the real question: what is it like? (I can't write that without thinking of the Blackadder spanish infanta: "But, what does he like"). Is this classic unmistakable Amplifier?: yes.

Well the next obvious question is: "If I haven't listened to Amplifier before what does it sound like: what am i getting myself in for?" OK, no band likes being compared to another but it's a review so I'll indulge you.

Right we have smatterings of Porcupine Tree (without the miserable "music to slash your wrists to vibe"), a sprinkling of Kings X in their Out of the Silent Planet/Gretchen/Faith Hope Love prime; and a hint of piquant Oceansize. But these are merely

Matmos is typical Amplifier, but the The Wheel is simply majestic. Layer upon layer: test your hi- fi: but not over produced.If I had a criticism it would be that the guitar tone lacks a harsher bite.

Extra Vehicular fades in, clean separated elements: guitar arpeggios, bass, drums. Maybe the bass is a bit too flabby & rounded. I liked the character of the Warwick that came through on the earlier albums.

I love the guitar tone throughout the album. it's clear that there has been considerable personal tweaking to get it just so. The acoustic has a lovely tone, it's not Andy McKee but hey.

Where the river Goes' vocals will instantly chime with Kings X fans

****** The Album cover

the first prog album I bought was Yes Songs the only reason I bought it was that it was a triple fold out and the album art was cool. Took it home & loved the music. For me that's always been a part of the prog scene. The slow demise of LPs has cut down that sense of pop art in your hands as you listen to prog but Echo Street is a marvellous piece of kit to own: it's a small hardback book. **** So a fab album to add to the collection. I think this is an important album as it helps define Brit prog at the time of PT's demise.

If spacerock is your bag this is an excellent must have. Otherwise it's good but not essential.