10 Most Underrated Progressive Rock Albums Of All Time
9. Gnidrolog - Lady Lake
Gnidrolog's sophomore effort was an unfortunate commercial flop back in 1972. The intriguing blend of early prog rock ideals with jazz and themes ranging from war to ballet made it a memorable, if slightly all over the place, listen.
The album opens on a strong, expansive note with 'I Could Never Be A Soldier', an 11 minute meditation on war and pacifism. It closes on a similarly heavy but more socially-oriented track focusing on the often disappointing nature of adult life titled 'Social Embarrassment'. The tracks bookend the LP on serious, challenging notes whilst delivering a variety of curious sounds and stylings.
The rest of the album, while somewhat lighter in topical choices, remains a complicated, intricate listen. The group's expansive arsenal of instruments, ranging from the standard guitar and drums to saxophones, pianos and flutes, provides an eclectic and surreal listening experience. The smorgasbord of genres and interludes is classic prog fare but the group's moody, lyrical style helps set them apart from the litany of King Crimson-influenced acts at the time.
Due to the disappointing sales and lack of recognition, Gnidrolog called it quits soon after the release of this criminally undervalued gem. While there was a late '90s reunion, it was a case of too little too late to really follow this one up with another exciting prog rock odyssey.