BONE IDOL

The 1999 sophomore and final release by UK's Canterbury-inspired[?] Moom, Bone Idol, which starts off with a surprisingly twangy spacy Fusion on "I, Structure". It unexpectedly reminds me of jam band Widespread Panic. Most notable to me is the bass playing. Melodic and complex. The more modern, funky Fusion elements remind me specifically of Dopapod, formed in Boston some 9 years after. Perhaps [but not really] where I first hear something like 'Canterbury Sound' in this is on "Rusty Can", but Kentish quirk is not anything like this sort of silliness... I'm not into it.

"Non-Specific Highway" feels a bit more confident. The vocals are not a highlight, but the melodies are nice. More twangy guitar over cool, fun playing. This is truly the first bit that sounds like Kent, most reminiscent of the free, hippie vibe of Caravan. Another fun track is what follows in "Petrol", which strangely reminded of George Harrison early on. But if he was more daring.

"Gideon's Pier" feels like some more modern Jamming. Twangy Dead vibes galore. This will appeal to a... very special kind of Canterbury fan...

"Ship to Harbour" (hello, Brits haha) is soft and sweet. As well as the soloing itself in the second half. "What's a Little Sunshine" didn't have much to offer me (decent solo at the end).

"Rooftops" on the other hand has some great rhythm to start. The vocals and the lyrics... not so great. Weird, but not charming haha. I disliked it for a different reason entirely, then. It's followed by the acoustic "I've Been Grown". It existed. And that's how they 'end' the album, hidden track aside?! I'm not so sure...

"Woodland" is said hidden track, a boisterous UK Jam, for sure. Things pick up in the second half for the better. But nothing could have saved the weaker tracks throughout to really pick this album up. Too bad. I'm working backwards, so we'll see how their first is (some day; I'm in no rush).

True Rate: 2.5/5.0