ILLUSION

Isotope's second album is a fairly different beast than its predecessor, since half the group is gone, including the main songwriter, keyboardist Brian Miller. In to replace Jeff Clyne is Hugh Hopper fresh from Soft Machine (Boyle and Hopper had met on Yamashta's East Wind group), while the keys are taken by the relative unknown Lawrence Scott, while Boyle and Morris remain pat. Released still in 74 and again on Gull Record, with a stunning headphones artwork, hitting a bit pretentiously at how much of an earful the album is.

Needless to say that the line-up change totally changes the group's sound, definitely tilting the balance in Boyle's favour, newcoming Scott simply not able to fill Miller's shoes right from the bat. Songwriting-wise, Boyle and Hopper take the lion's share, while Scott gets two tracks in, and not exactly the weakest - there are none in this album.

What strikes with Illusion is the way the album is much more Mahavishnu-esque, most noticeable in Spanish Sun, but in the title track, or in short Boyle's songs. Boyle is obviously enamoured with McL's playing and tries to emulate it, and somehow manages it to his own credit and no ridicule, far from it. Hopper's tracks don't necessarily have the Soft machine edge you'd expect, but they do have that little rockier edge (as do Scott's two tracks) over Boyle's. Generally the album has its own red-hot sound, despite Boyle's MO influence, and Hopper's Sliding Dogs and Golden section are absolute corkers that deserves the album highlight. And just past Boyle's acoustic Marin Country Girl, Hopper's Lily Kong offers a last hurrah for Hugh, while Scott closes the album with the MO-influenced Temper Tantrum.

Family's Poli Palmer's is not exactly top notch though, thus stopping this album to get an even higher rating, but make no mistake, this is Isotope's best album with some margin. After Illusion's recording, the group would tour Western Europe, just as it had before it. Then an Ameruican tour came, some reinforcements (De Souza on percussion) brought in, Scott leaving just before financial problems forced Hopper to leave as well, leaving Morris and Boyle to rebuild once more

Probably one of the finest examples of British jazz-rock ever recorded (with all due respect to the brilliant Soft Machine, a near cousin), Isotope reaches its peak with this seminal recording, wrapped in stunning artwork, luminous production, fabulous musicianship and quirky compositions. The Canterbury (Soft Machine) connection stems from the ubiquitous presence of basso profundo Hugh Hopper , the master of fuzzy-wuzzy bass rumbling, arguably one of the prime virtuoso innovators on the electric bass (along with the usual suspects: Squire, Pastorius, Levin, Karn , Percy Jones etc.). Irish guitarist Gary Boyle is a splendid craftsman with a unique sound, very different from similar cousins Holdsworth , Etheridge or Lozaga , whose solo album "The Dancer" is an awesome piece of music. Laurie Scott is a dentist who tickles ivories (no surprise there!) and complements the others perfectly while Nigel Morris retains the dubious honor of most underrated drummer in Prog. The first three songs, "Illusion", "Rangoon Creeper" (hints of future Brand X) and the imperial "Spanish Sun" simply put the listener into overdrive. I suggest listening to this album while concentrating on one instrument, alternatively. The interplay becomes even more exhilarating when focusing on each instrument and just like the sound emanating from Hopper 4 stringer, I get a "Buzz" each time. Everlasting classic this is and its no Illusion. 5 melting earphones

This is some of the best Jazz these ears have ever heard. I'm still shocked at how amazing this album is, as it seems to be one of those records that was made specifically for my tastes. I have to thank tszirmay who's constant praise of this album finally made me go out and get it. This is one of those recordings where I can't even point out one or two people as being the stars because all four of these guys impress me to no end.

"Illusion" features these intricate sounding drum patterns with lots of fuzz from Hopper in support. Nice. Guitar from Boyle before 3 minutes and a great sound follows. So much going on here, it's fantastic ! "Rangoon Creeper" has this catchy rhythm as Hopper's fuzzed out deep bass lines keep it from sounding anything close to being labeled commercial.The fuzz stops 3 minutes in and now I can hear the others. Haha.The intricate guitar melodies are outstanding. "Spanish Sun" is the longest track at almost 8 minutes. A Spanish atmosphere to this one for the first 3 minutes. Liquid keys 4 1/2 minutes in as the tempo picks up. Nice bass and drum work here as the guitar lays down some fire. "Edorian" is a Hopper composition and is very fuzzy and uptempo. "Frog" is such a great track with the fiery guitar and the fuzzed out bass lines. The keyboard work shines and the drumming is killer. This song was originally the first track on the second side of the LP.

"Sliding Dogs / Lion Sandwich" is darker to begin with. Nice. The tempo picks up after 2 minutes. The keys sound incredible,the guitar too. Ok they all do. What a song ! "Golden Section" sounds so good for the first 1 1/2 minutes and then it gets better. Haha. "Marin Country Girl" opens with intricate guitar and piano, but then it gets darker and more to my liking. Very cool. "Lily Kong" builds until they're cooking 1 1/2 minutes in. "Temper Tantrum" opens with a bass / keys combo that comes and goes until guitar and drums join in. The guitar starts to lead the way 1 1/2 minutes in and then Boyle hits us with a blistering attack a minute later. Incredible.

Without a doubt this will join my other Jazz favourites on that special place on the shelf.

ISOTOPE were another major name of the UK jazz-rock scene,led by guitarist Gary Boyle.Some say they were formed in 1972,others in 1973...one thing is for sure,ISOTOPE debuted with their eponymous first album in 1974,an album full of endless jamming and energy,but with a sound closer to jazz and rock than prog.Important changes to the band's line-up were rapid as original members Jeff Clyne and Brian Miller (who was also a main composer of the band)left to be replaced by Lawrence Scott on keys and superb bassist Hugh Cooper (ex-Soft Machine).This drastic changes had the same drastic impact on the band's sound,as it can be heard on the sophomore release ''Illusion'' from the same year.

The frenetic jams gave their place to a very elabarated,well-arranged and executed jazz/fusion progressive rock,characterized by the fantastic guitar work of Boyle,greatly inspired by JOHN MCLAUGHLIN and featuring some magnificent solos,changing climates and even some ethnic orientations.Hugh Cooper is there to fill the sound with his awesome bass lines,which contain a very psychedelic feeling and Lawrence Scoote proofs to be a very distinctive yet talented keyboardist with a number of excellent electric piano parts,not unlike what is heard by Chick Corea on RETURN TO FOREVER's albums.All compostions sound intense,rich,complicated and even melodic to my ears,covering a wide range of tempos and atmospheres...Another nice jazz-oriented release of the 70's,which undoubtfully deserves some of your time.

Second album of very competent UK jazz-rock band. Founder -guitarist Gary Boyle has excellent guitar playing technique, and the only criticism there could come from him openly imitating McLaughlin guitar sound . But he does it with great musicianship level.

First Isotope album with ex-Soft Machine Hugh Hopper on bass, great improvement as well. Even if Isotope's sound never was Canterbury-like , Hopper added some psychedelic-rock scent to album's music.

Total sound is atmospheric, almost minimalistic in arrangements, but very complex and professional. Keyboardist is influenced by Chick Corea for sure. Possibly, album's music is a bit lightweight comparing with Canterbury scene, but they recorded there one of the greatest UK jazz fusion album of its time.

Isotope back in their day must have been radioactive, because their nucleus was decidedly unstable and prone to split - with only Gary Boyle and Nigel Morris returning from their debut album, Isotope found their sound highly dependent on the individuals they brought in to replace them. In particular, Hugh Hopper - who had recently jumped ship from Soft Machine - swings by to provide his distinctive, crunchy bass sound which, along with Laurence Scott's keyboards, often dominate the sound, though Gary's guitar contributions are decent in a sort of Allan Holdsworthy way. Far from top-tier Canterbury or jazz fusion material, but it's a fun listen if you like those subgenres.