IN THE CAN

Desperately trying to capitalize on the progressive explosion of the 1970s, Flash did their best to impress on this second effort, 'In the Can'. An opus of sorts, the material has its moments but never quite takes off, which is a shame because it could have been really good. Between the Ethel Merman vocals of Colin Carter and the Rickenbacker Squire-isms of Ray Bennett, we feel as if we're hearing what Yes in its prime left on the studio floor.

Tracks 3, 4 and 5 (originally the second side) are an improvement over the first half of the record, with longer pieces firmly ensconced in early British symphonic rock and splashes of paisley and patchouli laced throughout, though the gratuitous Yes influence is most prominent here and only tends to remind of this outfit's shortcomings. The production is disappointing as well, inexplicably sounding as if the sessions were recorded in a large aluminum silo.

Neither important nor inspired, Flash's 'In the Can' is indeed a flash in the pan.