Record Reviews

AARDVARK ~ AARDVARK ESOTERIC 2286 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1970 Released: 2011 This is the only album recorded by the obscure British proto-Prog band AardvarkFind albums by this artist, which in retrospect turned out to be one of the greatest early recordings of the genre. Guitar-less, the band was based around the fantastic sound of the Hammond organ, played by Dave WattsFind albums by this artist, and also included bassist / multi-instrumentalist Stanley AldousFind albums by this artist and drummer Frank ClarkFind albums by this artist. The founder and leader of the band was the vocalist / songwriter (who wrote all the music), Dave SkillenFind albums by this artist. The music was a wonderful mixture of adventurous Rock, Psychedelics, early Electronic adventures and some Jazz influences, together creating a unique bland, that was rarely achieved by other groups of the period. Soon after the album was recorded, the group disintegrated into the this air, leaving behind this obscure Gem, that was hidden from the public eye for over two decades and re-discovered in the 1990s as an extra-rare collectors’ item. Today the album is considered an integral part of any serious Prog collection, but is never easy to find. Grab it, if you can find it!

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Recommend To A Friend

AARDVARK ~ AARDVARK UNIVERSAL JAPAN 9514 ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Only album from 1970 by this proto-Prog band. Typical of many bands of the period, they mixed elements of Psychedelia and early Prog. As the band had no guitarist in their ranks, the instrumental emphasis is on the keyboards and therefore their music is compared often to Spring. Some influences are quite clearly evident, like Soft Machine and even early Pink Floyd, but they manage to establish their own identity. The original album is a very rare collector`s item. Limited Edition

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Remastered Recommend To A Friend

AARDVARK` ~ TUNTEMATON SOTILADS MELLOW 487 ~ FINLAND ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2004 - 2005 Released: 2006 1st album by Finnish Prog band Aardvark`Find albums by this artist, which continues the splendid tradition of Prog in that country. As it often happens in Finland, the album is based on literary work and has a story behind the music, making it a concept album. The band has a beautiful sound, which emulates successfully the sound of the 1970s, preserving its unique qualities. Interestingly the album was recorded part by part in different locations around the world in such distant locations as New Zealand, Singapore and Finland – all thanks to modern technology. The group is fronted by vocalist Tero ArteliFind albums by this artist and the instrumentalist are guitarist Ari NaappaFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Riku LuostariFind albums by this artist, bassist Juha SarkiojaFind albums by this artist and drummer Timo SivulaFind albums by this artist. Layers of heavy organ sound and distinct lead guitar, supported by excellent rhythm section and fronted by impressive vocals all add up to a excellent debut album, which hopefully will be followed by more releases. This is a Prog fan´s delight!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend