UK

"UK" is the debut album of super group UK who only released 2 studio albums but both are solid examples of the last great golden era of prog that ended in 1979. King Crimson stalwarts, drummer, Bruford and Bassist, vocalist, Wetton took up the frontline. They were joined by keyboardist extraordinaire, Roxy Music's Jobson, and the talented versatile genius of Gong guitarist Holdsworth.

It begins with the big single for the group, In the Dead of Night; "Are you one of mine who can sleep with one eye open wide? Agonizing psychotic solitary hours to decide, Reaching for the light at the slightest noise from the floor, Palms of hands perspire heart goes leaping at a knock from the door, In The Dead of Night." There is a great time sig on this track and an inspired keyboard motif. The lead solo is terrific too. A memorable track and quintessential UK.

By the Light of Day has the same feel as the previous track except that Jobson shines on sparkling keyboards. Spacey sounds are generated and this is quite a tranquil song overall. Jobson is a keyboard wizard on the bombastic delightful Presto Vivace and it reprises both opening tracks wonderfully, creating a type of suite of songs. There is no denying the innovation behind this approach.

Thirty Years moves in a different direction with lighter textures in the sound, Wetton sings with reflective lyrics. It moves along on a current of gentler waters, and builds slowly to a faster pace with Bruford's unusual percussion rhythms and soaring keyboard solos.

Alaska has icy cold atmospherics, almost like the cry of a blue whale, as the keyboard dominates. The low drones are ethereal and create a foreboding environment in the soundscape. It develops into a staccato powerful organ stab riff, reminiscent of Emerson or Wakeman.

Time to Kill is a rather strange track dominated by Wetton's vocals and a peculiar complex instrumental. The violin solo is virtuoso musicianship, very powerful and unlike anything I have heard on violin.

Nevermore features folky acoustic flourishes and a very peaceful keyboard passage. Wetton sings well and the harmonies are great. The instrumental is master class from all concerned. The swirls of Jobson's keyboards are mesmirising.

Final track is Mental Medication featuring a pulsating bassline and massive keyboard solos. Holdsworth's guitar is a force to be reckoned with. Once the band go into full flight they are unbeatable.

So the album is therefore a masterpiece of prog at its best in 1978. There is not a bad track on the album, and the band try a variety of styles and pull it off with accomplished musical expertise. Believe everything you have read: UK's debut is quintessential prog that deserves full recognition from a super group who's members defined the genre.

Share this UK review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to AtomicCrimsonRush
• Report this review (#397265)
• Buy UK music online with PA partners
• Show all UK MP3/Stream
• Go to UK page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to UK page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for UK related discussions