High Tide
Precious Cargo

An originally English band unjustly forgotten, classified as a Dark Sound group (even though some music and instrumental passages are rather dark and mysterious) when in reality they should be included in the "progressive" genre.

Leaving musical genres to the experts, this record is a Live Jam from 1970. The reviewed CD (in my possession) is print number 003 (Cobra Records) and consists of seven tracks totaling about 42 minutes. I must also point out that the cover depicted is not the same, it has probably been changed over the years. The one on this CD is decidedly superior (even though the displayed one is still well done) and features a curious "fuchsia"-colored fighter flying over a marine whirlpool swallowing people (or statues), a ship, and a cathedral. At the center of the whirlpool is a yellow pocket watch "literally" plummeting like a meteorite. The back cover instead depicts the band (with a funny blue dinosaur in the background) floating over the whirlpool, with the same clock showing 4 hours and 7 minutes next to it... Inside the booklet, there is a beautiful vaguely science-fiction colored drawing containing important notes about the band, though they are written so "microscopically" that they are almost illegible (!?).

The band consists of Tony Hill (guitar), Simon House (violin & vocals), Peter Pavli (bass), and Roger Hadden (drums). The album starts with "Blood Lagoon," a relaxed track sung by House, with a violin creating a melancholic and slightly unsettling atmosphere. "Quest," a more rhythmic track at times vaguely folk and psychedelic. The instrumental "In Flight" with a nice drum start, which will then continue agile and effective throughout the piece. The structure of this track is supported by delicate guitar passages that anticipate House's violin prowess. A complex and articulated track, definitely my favorite. "Ice Age" with soft and enigmatic tones, with House's voice seemingly coming from another dimension. "Movie Madness," a piece with an intro sung by House followed by a long and convincing guitar dialogue by T.Hill. "Exploration" is an instrumental improvisation with a steady, vaguely obsessive rhythm. At certain points, the music becomes almost intangible and indecipherable. The album wraps up with "Rock Me On Your Wave," with a delicate start that then proceeds slowly with prominent violin and a brief yet convincing deep singing. The track concludes with powerful drum passages under the guitar and violin background.

Undoubtedly a little gem. However, the band will not succeed and will disband. S. House will later join Hawkwind. High Tide will reform with Hill and House, releasing an album in 1987 with an Italian producer. An album suitable for all prog enthusiasts (but not only) played with heart and instrumental skill. Before concluding, I would just like to point out a flaw of this Live Jam, which is the not excellent recording quality that undoubtedly compromises the album's rating (precise rating 3.8 repeating out of 5).