A TAB IN THE OCEAN

Nektar is a great symphonic/psychedelic prog band originally from Engand, but essentially became German. Their sound is 70's psych rock trapped in the late sixties. They use alot of keyboard techniques that are very psychedelic and VERY 60's.

This review is based on the original german mix.

"A Tab In the Ocean" was their second album, coming after the brilliant "Journey to the Centre of the Eye", It's the tale of what might happen if a curious soul administered a tab of LSD to a fish tank. I'm very interested in the effects of psychedelic drugs on the human conscience so I decided to try this album out. and it's a little more straightforward than "Eye" was, but still brilliant.

The title track has all the elements of a great prog epic, it's structured very nicely, contains some of the best riffs/moments in all of Nektar's discography. My favourite moment is the "Space cadet" vocals. So very ominous and atmospheric. The song has no moments of dullness, and features some great themes. An excellent track. "Desolation Valley" is a little more on the rocky side, a pounding riff and some decent lyrics. I like the laidback feel of "Waves". Lyrics on that song are great too. "Cryin' In The Dark" is a generally annoying blues jam that has some great instrumental work towards the end, but the main track is a throwaway. "King of Twilight" is the second best track, as well rounded as Tab, effective chorus, steady bass rhythm and a perfect dead stop ending to conclude a the great album that preceded it.

If you like epic space rock like Pink Floyd or Hawkwind I reccomend this band and album to you. A little too good to be a second line prog band, a little below the standards of a band like Yes or Tull.