LIVE AT THE TARGET

Finding themselves without a vocalist (Geoff Mann hadn't joined at this point) but still confident after releasing two demo tapes, Twelfth Night decided to make their first self-released LP an all-instrumental affair. Since we're dealing with a live album recorded at a pub, the sound quality is a bit muggy, but not to an extent that obscures the obvious instrumental ability the band could command. At several points in the album the band settle into a sound which reminds me an awful lot of a heavier, more guitar-heavy version of Eloy's style from the same general time period, whilst at other points - particularly the darker moments in the epic Sequences - I'm reminded of a more accessible and melodic Van der Graaf Generator.

It can't quite attain classic status because the muggy production does cause issues, but it's still a startlingly good album and a reminder that many neo-prog bands - and this was always true of Twelfth Night in particular - could create musical performances that are easily the equal of their influences.