Nektar was a hard rock progressive band that originally originated in Germany and was formed in 1969 by British musicians Roye Albrighton on guitars and vocals, Derek Moore on bass and vocals, Allan Freeman on keyboards and vocals, and Ron Howden on drums and vocals.

This album was their second effort after their debut album Journey To The Center Of The Eye which was originally released in 1972. At the time Nektar were unknown in the United States and surprisingly this album was released four years after the third release of their first album.

The album opens with the epic title track which magnifies and perfectly illustrates the band members’ exceptional skills with Allan Freeman playing in a similar manner to Rick Wakeman and Keith Emerson. At just under 17 minutes, the track is a significant musical portion of the album, covering the entire first side of the vinyl version. On vocals, Roye Albrighton and Derek Moore exchange their singing styles with the support of drummer Ron Howden and keyboardist Alan Freeman, offering brilliant harmonies on both the track and the closer “King Of Twilight”.

The second track that follows and opens the second side of the vinyl is “Desolation Valley” which begins with a melodic guitar that gives way to a jazzy quiet passage between guitar, bass and keyboards. As “Desolation Valley” slowly begins to fade, “Crying In The Dark” enters with a psychedelic guitar intro that then gives way to a bluesy rock rhythm from Howden and Moore with strong vocals from guitarist Roye Albrighton and the accompanying keyboards of Allan Freeman.

A Tab In The Ocean mirrors Nectar’s first album to some extent. While their sound is still based on long keyboard passages and imaginative lyrics, the psychedelia is more directional and consistent than ever with longer passages and a much tighter and more progressive structure.

There is an obvious coherence between the guitar and keyboards in an attempt to form a meaning through the five tracks of the album. Both the title track and the 19-minute “King Of Twilight” are the best examples of Nectar’s maturation process on A Tab In The Ocean with elegant instrumental performances that taper off towards the lyrics in contrast to the more improvised feel that surrounds their last album.

A stronger influence can be felt in Roye Albrighton’s guitar playing which is more structured with Derek Moore’s bass lines being stronger and more expressive. While it’s hard to ignore the album’s light rock feel in places, the five songs as a whole host the surreal meaning of progressive rock. Even the lyrics sound more restless, evolving as an equal part of Nektar’s music without getting lost in obscurity.

Best of all, A Tab In The Ocean completes the task of keeping the interest of fans who enjoyed their debut album.

From this album I select “Desolation Valley”.

Tracklist

Side One
1. A Tab In The Ocean 16:43

Side Two
2. Desolation Valley 5:42
3. Waves 2:30
4. Crying In The Dark 6:17
5. King Of Twilight 4:27