A TAB IN THE OCEAN

NEKTAR were from the UK but lived and played in Germany where they enjoyed a lot of success.They employed Mick Brockett as their lighting technician, which was a smart move because their stage shows helped draw in the big crowds. Mick had previously worked with PINK FLOYD. This was recorded at Dieter Dierks studio in October of 1972. The band was trying to come up with a title for this album when one day while watching the fish in the aquariam at their house someone said something like "What would happen if a giant tab of acid was dropped in the sea". They had found their title and concept for the new album. Moore related how NEKTAR were influenced by ambitious bands like YES, and he felt that the title track really stretched them out in that direction.This album would result in the band being signed to a major label, and then being chosen by Frank Zappa to open for him in his European tour in support of "Overnite Sensation".

"A Tab In The Ocean" is the almost 17 minute side long opener. Ocean-like sounds to open as organ rises out of the waves followed by a full sound. This is very Symphonic actually. Guitar then vocals after 3 1/2 minutes as it settles. This is more Psychedelic. I really like when the vocals return 6 1/2 minutes in. A good instrumental section follows 8 1/2 minutes in. Vocal melodies after 10 1/2 minutes. A nice heavy passage with organ comes and goes. Vocals are back before 13 minutes.The guitar 14 minutes in is like sunshine for me. Organ then takes over. It ends as it began with ocean sounds.

"Desolation Valley / Waves" has a nice intro but it calms down quickly with reserved vocals. Sounds start to build 2 minutes in with guitar and organ as the opening melody returns. The contrast continues until we get a calm as the "Waves" section comes in with spoken words. "Crying In The Dark" kicks in after 1 1/2 minutes. Vocals before 2 1/2 minutes. Guitar cries out before 4 minutes followed by an organ solo. The guitar before 5 1/2 minutes lights it up. Nice. "King Of Twilight" would be covered by IRON MAIDEN. This is pretty straight-forward uptempo song with vocal melodies. Lots of energy and even some mellotron.

A solid 4 stars.