“Often too leaden to float – but it has spells where the more honeyed version of the band is visible”: Nektar’s deluxe edition of A Tab In The Ocean

Nektar – A Tab In The Ocean Deluxe Edition.

Nektar’s second album caught them still finding their voice, working out what might make them different from the many solid but limited jam bands who emerged in the early 70s.

Their debut album, 1971’s Journey To The Centre Of The Eye, had leaned in hard to sci-fi and psychedelia. By the time they made follow-up A Tab In The Ocean, they’d temporarily retreated, edging back towards more standard rock and blues fare.