Nektar

‘Recycled’ was the last album that Nektar recorded for the minor Bellaphon label and also the last to feature original vocalist Roye Albrighton.
Although all the band members were British, they formed in Germany in 1969 (in Hamburg) and were still resident there when this was recorded. Synth player Larry Fast joined the band for this album onwards and his skills with the synths took the music to a previously unheard standard.

‘Recycled’ is a concept album, designed to be a harsh warning to humanity to start looking after the planet – early eco-warriors indeed.
It was intended to be recorded at the Chateau D’Herouville (Elton John’s ‘Honky Chateau’), but that was in a decrepit state and the band had to do their own wiring and rebuilding of the studio. It was still unreliable, so the band relocated to AIR Studios in London for vocals and overdubs.

The album itself is excellent. Nektar were very much in the style of bands such as Yes and Gentle Giant but with a rockier side to them and had their own sound.
The boxset includes a remaster of the original mix along with a remaster of the original mix by Geoff Emerick. The package also includes two live sets across 3CDs (Toronto & Long Island) all well worth the price of admission.

One of the Championship of Progressive rock bands (as opposed to the Premier League) but a fine band with much to say.
A very good box.