VIRTUAL DIGS: IT’LL ALL WORK OUT IN BOOMLAND
Four lengthy tracks make up this 1970 debut from the impressive English psych/prog trio T2. “In Circles” begins It’ll All Work Out in Boomland with Keith Cross’ slamming guitar chords backed by the jazzy finesse of drummer Pete Dunton and Bernie Jinks on bass. Following a haunting vocal interlude by Dunton, the band lets go with extended stinging guitar work while the rhythm section continues to rumble away. Acoustic guitar strums and quietly majestic piano fills open “J.L.T.” and build to an epic instrumental finale featuring horns and (synth?) strings. Slashing guitar chords and fast-fingered solos take us into “No More White Horses,” until a lone trumpet and gentle vocals quiet things down. A piano accompanies more excellent guitar by Cross, while the trumpet re-enters, clearing the way for more blistering guitar and a feedback-filled ending.
Dunton’s hushed vocals, which are always effectively understated and never over the top (a nice change of pace in this genre), introduce the last song, the 21-minute “Morning.” The guitar and drum interplay that follow almost sounds like Live at Leeds-era Who as it escalates and subsides, letting the vocals flow in and out. Ambient scrapes and squeals surround a laid-back drum break, then a few quick bass solos support some asymmetrical guitar, ending full circle with quiet acoustics and vocals that culminate into a final rousing chorus. It’ll All Work Out in Boomland is a delightfully ever-changing collection that avoids getting bogged down in mindless jamming that comes with many of the prog influenced albums of the time. It definitely earns its reputation as a lost gem.