Under the auspices of the sound engineer Bruce Swedien (who became known in later years through his work with Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson - and others, he was instrumental in the production of "Thriller"), created in 1970, the first and only studio album the band. Almost simultaneously with the publication in early 1971 the band fell apart probably because of the lack of promotion by the label. The album is now a very rare vinyl rarity which is still waiting for a regular CD reissue. Bootlegs exist.
"Anomaly" is - the above-defined concept of the band accordingly - a very varied affair. Powerful Brass Rock (à la Chicago), dodgy proto progressive, dreamy-symphony and angular jazz or blue rock music are here strung together and mixed, from, and supplemented by other stylistic deposits, how easy Latineskes, late psychedelic Gerock, Proto-chamber Progressives, film music websites (so appears as in "Monster Bride" in a prominent place on the 20th Century-Fox-theme), short text recitation, swing and ragtime fragments, short tape and electronic gadgetry and economical humorous and satirical trips. Whenever Paul Cohn for flute attacks and the music glides rather relaxed, you get the whole thing a slightly crimsoneskes flair (in the first part of "A Brief Message From Your Local Media" for example) and is reminiscent of the early, lyrical numbers of the British (eg "I Talk To The Wind").
Basically, McLuhan, a first example of a mixer-style band, as today (or a few years ago) are very fashionable (were). The mix, however, is very successful and features a very uniform and unique atmosphere. "Anomaly" is progressive-rocking ways, with its expansive and richly orchestrated pieces, surely one of the most interesting disc that was released in the U.S. in the early 70s. If you appreciate Zappaeskes, canterburesken Jazz Rock, powerful fan, proto progressive oddities and just very colorful, complex and inventive music, should know this great album! A forgotten classic!
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