Search - Nektar :: Tab in the Ocean

As Good As Yes But Better Than ELP

AudioObscurica | United States | 03/16/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of those great prog-rock albums that nobody has ever heard... It's one of those few that are perfectly arranged and have solid theme that works with no flaws. The lengthy title track is actually better than Yes's "Close To The Edge" (Nektar is a little harder than Yes). The movements were thought through carefully and it never gets boring no matter how many times you listen to it. Sadly, in it's CD incarnation it hasn't gotten it's dues. The mixing is shoddy, and the quality is sub-par. Maybe one day this will be re-issued in the U.S. (I doubt it) and have better quality.. Not to mention a more decent price."

Nektar's best?

Chromefreak | 01/06/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Possibly--it's sure close to being their best. Bought this one way back in the mid seventies shortly after it came out and still like it quite a bit. Roye Albrighton's hot guitar is all over this one and the whole disc achieves a kind of ambient calm that's lacking on other Nektar records. Unlike some of the other reviewers, I've always found the open-ended reverb-heavy mix of this album quite distinctive, almost...oceanic?"

Nektar's masterpiece

B. E Jackson | Pennsylvania | 10/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A Tab in the Ocean is one of Nektar's very best albums in terms of vocal melodies, epic/adventure type fantasy musical passages, and just overall beautifully constructed compositions.



It's amazing Nektar hasn't become one of those early 70's rock bands that people want to look back and discover (or re-discover all over again since, after all, most people who grew up in the 70's probably don't remember them anymore).



They're certainly a pretty distinct and exciting progressive rock/fantasy rock band. I say "fantasy rock" because they remind me of Uriah Heep and Wishbone Ash a lot. The vocals sound like Uriah Heep, and some of their musical ideas resemble Wishbone Ash. Actually a cross between Deep Purple and Wishbone Ash is more appropriate of a description.



I'm not calling Nektar ripoffs or anything. No way. They're too good of a band for me to stoop to playing some kind of comparison game. That's not my style, baby. I just like to listen to good ol' rock music, and I'm happy when I discover a band with plenty of creative ideas and overall talent like Nektar.



I really like the organs and keyboards on the opening title song. They are unlike anything I've ever heard in a rock song before. Not even Deep Purple or someone was able to make them sound *that* important and powerful. A song that definitely must have been an influence to the progressive rock/jazz band Camel and their classic Mirage album from the mid 70's.



"Desolation Valley" features a snappy beat and a King Crimson-like vocal melody. It almost sounds like one of those late night jazz songs, but more exciting because we're rocking out, baby.



"Waves" is just that- waves of beautiful notes taking you to a warm and special fantasy land. Ah, the 70's were so GOOD with these kind of songs. I always welcome them.



"Crying in the Dark" is something I'm guilty of every so often... oops, I mean, I love this song! The guitar is heavy in spots, and perfectly soothing and fitting in others. What a good song. "King of Twilight" should have been "King of everything" because this song is truly king. I love it. A great epic adventure type song with soaring vocals and a chugging, memorable rhythm.



By the way, I recently heard some new stuff by the band on a radio station I frequently listent to, and I loved it. It was surprising to know an old forgotten band from the 70's is still making music to this very day. That proves to me the band members never gave up on their dreams of making and releasing music, and trying to get as many people as possible to listen to their lovely music.



I wish more people heard of this band -even back in the early 70's- instead of listening to Black Sabbath or whatever all the time, because this is one mighty fine rock band."