LPCDreissues: Looking forward to the past

Far Canal by Jody Grind returns to vinyl – a cult classic from 1970 that blends heavy progressive rock, jazz-inflected grooves, and hard-hitting blues with fearless experimentation. As the band’s second and final studio album, Far Canal shows Jody Grind pushing their sound further into the avant-garde, delivering a raw, electrifying fusion that remains one of the hidden gems of early British prog. Led by the virtuosic keyboardist and composer Tim Hinkley, the trio – featuring Bernie Holland on guitar and Pete Gavin on drums – crafts songs that shift effortlessly between extended instrumental passages and gritty, riff-laden rock. Tracks like “We’ve Had It” and “Vegetable Oblivion” showcase a bold, improvisational spirit, with swirling organ leads, intricate rhythms, and bursts of psychedelic energy. The album balances intensity with subtlety, laced with ironic humour and sharp musicianship. This reissue offers a chance to rediscover a boundary-pushing album that defies easy categorization. Far Canal stands as a testament to the fearless creativity of the early ’70s underground scene, making it an essential addition to any serious prog or psych rock vinyl collection.

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