Nektar
A Tab In The Ocean

THE REVIEW

Approximately between 1969 and 1975, the notorious progressive rock saw its golden age, from the earth-shaking debut of King Crimson to the decline of groups like Genesis, Van Der Graaf Generator, and Yes towards breakups, changes in direction, or endless melancholic self-references.

During this five-year period, dozens and dozens of bands tried to climb up from the underground in search of a larger audience, with varying degrees of success. The Nektar, an English band transplanted into the German scene, produced a handful of worthy albums that, with cultured intuitions, aimed at English rock while absorbing some of the cosmic music germs of Tangerine Dream and company. Their best legacy is probably this "A Tab In The Ocean", from 1972, a valid blend of "sunny" progressive rock that touches more atmospheric shores.

Technically, the ensemble moves well, even without showing particular virtuosic mastery, weaving melodious rock fabrics on precise and interesting rhythmic bases. In particular, one of the strengths of this LP is the bass/drum foundation, with the former melodic and clean, the latter refined and of jazz school. Besides the title track, a long suite where the group declares admiration for Yes and their refined structures, the masterpiece of the album remains the splendid "Desolation Valley", powerful and decidedly inspired.

The influences of the Central European scene can be felt, even if not entirely prominent, thanks to elongated keyboards and guitars that paint cosmic and expansive landscapes but do not stifle the underlying rock.

Despite the excellent premises, not the entire album maintains a high level, with a couple of less incisive tracks and a general uncertainty in the vocal parts, which try to reach Jon Anderson's highs often resulting in weakness. This all weighs on the personality of the group, which remains heavily indebted not only to the already mentioned Yes but also to the early fairy-tale Genesis. Certainly, it remains an interesting work for genre enthusiasts, perhaps tired of the thousandth listen of Fragile.