The Polite Force by Egg, 1971.
Egg formed in 1968 and its core members were Dave Stewart (organ), Mont Campbell (bass, vocals), and Clive Brooks (drums), originally from the Uriel quartet, which also included Steve Hillage.
Their work is characterized by complex compositions influenced by classical music, a strong organ presence, and complex tempos, making them a key band in the Canterbury scene.
They released three albums: Egg (self-titled 1970), The Polite Force (1971), and The Civil Surface (1974), the result of a brief reunion after their 1972 disbandment.
This is their second album, here in a beautiful 2014 reissue on 180g vinyl.
This album represents how the Canterbury scene has evolved and, in my opinion, one of its greatest achievements.
The opening track, "A Visit To Newport Hospital," is beautiful, and my favorite. The eclectic title track, which occupies the entire B-side and is divided into four parts for a total of 20 minutes, is admirable. The second section is the most disturbing and interesting, but the entire suite is simultaneously fluid and melodic, yet also syncopated and interrupted by constant phrasing between the instruments, which almost compete with each other. The standout, in my opinion, is the Canterbury-style organ virtuosity of the brilliant Dave Stuart, but the rhythm section of Mont Campbell and Clive Brooks is also incredible.
An essential album for anyone passionate about the Canterbury scene and anyone interested in discovering one of the gems of prog. Comparable in importance to the works of the legendary Soft Machine, but from a band that hasn't received the same attention as the greats of English prog.
A more structured and technically advanced album, in my opinion, than the otherwise beautiful self-titled debut. Highly recommended!!!
Note: All links to the musicians' works are in the TAGS under the article title or on the "Artists" page.
Tracklist
1. A Visit to Newport Hospital (8:26)
2. Contrasong (4:25)
3. Boilk (9:21)
4. Long Piece No. 3 (20:40)
- a. Part 1 (5:08)
- b. Part 2 (7:38)
- c. Part 3 (5:02)
- d. Part 4 (2:52)
Duration 42:52
LineUp
- Dave Stewart - organ, piano, tone generator (4.c)
- Mont Campbell - bass, vocals, organ and piano (4.a), French horn (4.b), brass arrangement (2)
- Clive Brooks - drums
With:
- Henry Lowther - trumpet (2)
- Mike Davis - trumpet (2)
- Bob Downes - tenor saxophone (2)
- Tony Roberts - tenor saxophone (2)
