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The Polite Force is the second album by the British trio Egg and one of the most adventurous recordings associated with the early Canterbury progressive-rock movement. Originally released by Deram in 1971, it combines intricate composition, powerful organ playing, jazz-influenced rhythms, classical references and passages of uncompromising electronic experimentation.
The group consisted of Dave Stewart on organ, piano, Mellotron and tone generator, Mont Campbell on bass, vocals, keyboards and French horn, and Clive Brooks on drums. Working without a permanent guitarist, Egg developed a distinctive keyboard-led sound in which Stewart's heavily treated organ often supplies both the melodic lead and the weight normally provided by electric guitar.
“A Visit to Newport Hospital” opens with a dark, forceful organ theme before moving into a more reflective song recalling the musicians' earlier days together in Uriel. “Contrasong” places Campbell's vocals against rapidly changing rhythms and an unusual brass arrangement featuring trumpets and tenor saxophones.
“Boilk” moves into more abstract territory, combining tape effects, electronic sounds, Mellotron and a quotation from J. S. Bach. The album's second half is occupied by the four-part “Long Piece No. 3,” an ambitious instrumental suite built from interlocking themes, complex time signatures, jazz passages and tightly organised ensemble playing.
Demanding but highly rewarding, The Polite Force demonstrates Egg's ability to balance intellectual composition with considerable power and humour. Its mixture of organ-driven progressive rock, chamber music, jazz and avant-garde electronics has secured its reputation as a cult classic of early British progressive music.
This Esoteric Recordings edition presents the complete original album newly remastered from the original master tapes and accompanied by an illustrated 12-page booklet.
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