Khan
Space Shanty

THE REVIEW

Canterbury Prog and this says it all. From the strength of the "Egg", "Gong", "National Health" and "Hatfield & The North"... ladies and gentlemen I present to you four beasts: Nick Greenwood on bass and vocals, Steve Hillage on guitar and vocals, Eric Peachy on drums, and Dave Stewart on piano and organ in a single work that already seems fundamental for the old school.

In fact, "Space Shanty" is an ambitious project from 1972 where Hillage dominates the guitar with space and blues riffs, and Stewart plays the organ with absolute speed in colossal and never repetitive passages. I must say there is a certain familiarity with the "Gong" present in these 6 tracks, but the solid and present jazz influence is also undeniable. The style and atmosphere of the album are imposing, with little English and a lot of German kraut. In this, 100% original!

Well, maybe it's better if I introduce you to the 6 tracks: "Space Shanty", "Stranded", "Mixed Up The Man Of The Mountain", "Driving To Amsterdam", "Stargazers" and "Hollow Stone":

- Space Shanty:

The title track starts in the most classic ways with a hard-rock guitar riff similar to Deep Purple or Black Sabbath for about 1 minute and 30 seconds and opens with the usual vocal explosion and a dynamic bass. The drums gradually accentuate following the bassline until reaching the choruses of a sharp and suggestive melody. Classic with flashes that definitely should not be despised. Great start! (9:00 min)

- Stranded:

Opens with acoustic guitar with organ in the background, an excellent bass is reaffirmed and a voice plays much more on quality for approximately 3 minutes until it explodes in a beautiful solo that accompanies the voice in an absolutely surreal atmosphere. Beautiful track! (6:35 min)

- Mixed Up The Man Of The Mountain:

The hit, poignant, fantastic, dreamy! The dawn of the day, where the calm voice rises higher and higher until reaching a time of improvisation from all the instruments. It explodes into an interlude that can only be described as wonderful in an atmosphere that can only be described as fairy-tale-like. The peak of the mountain. (7:15 min)

- Driving To Amsterdam:

A sweet Ballad typically Canterbury where a fantastic beginning encompasses many sounds in harmony. Great organ passages where above all remains sovereign, accompanying the voice in the sweetest way possible. Soft! (9:22 min)

- Stargazer:

Here, the jazz influence is heavy and is predominantly close to the sounds of the "Egg" and "National Health". Great combination between organ and drums! (5:32 min)

- Hollow Stone:

Even if it is suggestive, it is the weakest of the tracks. Imposing blues influence of the guitar opening up into a wonderful solo on jazz and rock rhythms. Good conclusion! (8:15)

Well, what can I say... I'm not really a fan of Canterbury, but I'd definitely raise a toast to this. Fundamental!