EKSEPTION Debut Album

Original released on LP Philips PHS 600-334

(Netherlands, July 1969)

Not a bad debut and it establishes Ekseption as a primarily classically influenced jazz rock band. Apparently (much like the British band Egg) Ekseption is influenced by the Nice although (again much like Egg) these guys actually know how to play their instruments and as however silly their arrangements are, they are somewhat tasteful. This must've been one of the very first (if not the first) symph prog records released, and it was probably very influential. Now, five decades later, the shortcomings are rather visible; the jazzier moments sound a bit like gameshow music, and the lack of original compositions are striking, as well as the sub 30-minutes playing time. On the other hand, the playing is committed (which isn't always the case on Ekseption albums) and the fact that the band recorded this album in 1969 speaks for some kind of inventiveness. Recommended. (in RateYourMusic)