EGG “The Polite Force” (1971)

1. A Visit to Newport Hospital (8:26)
2. Contrasong (4:25)
3. Boilk (9:21)
4. Long Piece No. 3 (20:40) 1. Part 1 (5:08) 2. Part 2 (7:38) 3. Part 3 (5:02) 4. Part 4 (2:52)

Members:
Mont Campbell: bass, voice, organ (4.1), piano (4.1), French horn (4.2)
Dave Stewart: organ, piano, tone generator
Clive Brooks: drums

Contributors - Henry Lowther (trumpet in 2), Mike Davis (trumpet in 2), Bob Downes (tenor saxophone in 2), Tony Roberts (tenor saxophone in 2)

This is the second album this great power trio british and is one of the most representative and striking works of canterbury progressive rock. In it we can appreciate the absolute presence of keyboards, by the great Dave Stewart, who gives us an inexhaustible amount of energy, through chords and curtains that sculpt the soundscape in this record. Added to this jazz alchemy, psychedelia and experimentation we have the perfect accompaniment with Mont Campbell in bass and voice, the drums by Clive Brooks, plus a select group of guest artists.

The first track of the album is A Visit to Newport Hospital that has a very powerful sound introduction to later develop into a very beautiful and thoughtful melody with soft touches of jazz and psychedelia. The following is Contrasong, a jazz avant-garde piece very much in keeping with the complex compositions of icons of the Canterbury genre, such as Hatfield and North or Soft Machine. We continue with Boilk, an experimental rock composition composed of a bombardment of bizarre sounds, reminiscent of the experiences of Pink Floyd, made in works such as Saucerful of Secrets or Ummagumma. Long Piece No. 3 is the last piece of the album and we can affirm that it is the highest moment in the history of this band. Each one of its parts has a very interesting flow of sound and musical innovation, which we can appreciate through the original bars, atmospheres and rhythm changes that are being painted mainly with Stewart keyboards.

In short, a great work, highly recommended for those who just enter the deep waters of progressive canterbury rock ...

regards
Paul