UK

Eclectic Prog

4.11 | 714 ratings

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3,5 stars

Considered as one (if not the) last classic prog rock albums of the '70s, UK's debut in 1978 includes all the ingredients of prog in that time with an '80s sound. John Wetton's distinctive voice and bass lines, Bill Bruford's drumming and Eddie Jobson's keyboard playing are in really good display here. I have to admit though, that my favourite thing in "U.K." is the pesence of Allan Holdsworth, who was brought in the band by Brufford, after playing on Bruford's 1977 debut solo album, "Feels Good to Me". Holdswoth is one of the most adventurous guitarists and his style of playing gave a special approach on UK's music.

One very good thing about this album is that classic prog rock (mainly due to Wetton and Jobson) meets jazz-rock fusion (Holdsworth/Bruford). The result is quite original and doesn't really sound like most of the legendary bands these guys had played for. The only thing that comes to my mind is King Crimson, especially due to Wetton's singing.

I have to admit that I always liked side A more, even though I am a fan of Holdsworth from Igginbottom till today and he only collaborated on the compoosistion of "Nevermore" and "Mental Medication", the two last songs of the album. "In the Dead of Night" and "By the Light of Day" are my favourite songs, that raelly sound classic to my ears. "Presto Vivace and Reprise" is a highly technical piece, a major influence of the Dream Theater sound even in 2010. The two longest songs ("Thirty Years", "Nevermore") and "Time To Kill" are probably the weakest moments of "U.K.". This is what keeps this album from being a masterpiece: inspiration is evident in half of the songs (which are magnificent).

Recommended to all late '70s prog rock (fusion) fans.

DeKay | 3/5 | 2010-9-29

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