East Of Eden-Snafu (1970)

East of Eden was a fascinating progressive rock band worthy of mention, boasting a long career spanning almost two decades. Formed in Bristol, UK in 1967, the lineup consisted of Dave Arbus (electric violin, flute, saxophone), Ron Caines (alto saxophone), Geoff Nicholson (guitar and vocals), Steve York (bass), and Dave Dufont (drums). In 1969, they signed with Decca Records, releasing their first albums, "Mercator Projected" (1969) and "Snafu" (1970). Both are excellent works, showcasing a powerful sound of electric violin, flute, and saxophone combined with Béla Bartók and other classical, Eastern, and even Gypsy melodies, all set against a hard rock foundation. "Snafu" continued the musical direction begun with their debut album, featuring a more solid sound that blended blues rock, psychedelic music, and fusion. Although labeled proto-prog like other contemporary bands, they showed less interest in sophistication and classicism, focusing instead on rougher, more complex sounds. This is evident in tracks like the catchy blues-rock "Have To Whack It Up", the exotic "Leaping Beauties For Rudy/Marcus Junior", the complex "Xhorkhom" and "Ramadhan", both with Arabic influences, and the jazz-blues "In The Snow For A Blow". The band continued releasing albums until 1978 when they disbanded, only to reunite in 1996.