Aardvark - Aardvark (1970 Guitarless Prog-Rock)

Stunning forgotten gem of UK rock from 1970,originally on Deram this album stands out by virtue of having no guitars except a bass. The keyboards are working overtime here, and with the inclusion of some trippy electronic effects, this is a highly exceptional reissue.

A Midlands-based band, whose sole album presents us with the perennial problem of rock without guitars. As little instrumental interplay is possible, vocals, lyrics, compositions and above all the inventive use of keyboards become more important than ever. The result here is ambiguous. Copper Sunset has a nice title and a great 'wrong' and nagging bass-note in the chorus and Many Things To Do has nice harmonies, but this latter track is too long. Generally the music suffers from too many long extended tracks. The outstanding cut Once Upon A Hill is lovable, though, with great eclectic medieval stylings and effective celeste parts. Nice enough, but not brilliant.

Most songs on the album were written by Dave Skillin. They were mostly a studio band and made very few live appearances as they had enormous difficulties finding a keyboard player. Steve Milliner was previously in Black Cat Bones. Other keyboardists in the band were Paddy Coulter, Peter John Tdoof and Dave Watts, who was later in Jackson Heights and Affinity. Peter John Wood had played with The Trendsetters Soul Band and Hush and was later in Sutherland Brothers and Quiver and also played with Al Stewart and Natural Gas. Aldous had previously been in Odyssey and Skillen was later in Home.

01. Copper Sunset - 3.17
02. Very Nice Of You To Call - 3.39
03. Many Things To Do - 4.22
04. The Greencap - 6.05
05. I Can¥t Stop - 5.29
06. The Outing-Yes - 9.39
07. Once Upon A Hill - 2.53
08. Put That In Your Pipe And Smoke It - 7.35

Post by ChrisGoesRock