Genre: progressive
Rating: *** (3 stars)
Title: It'll All Work Out In Boomland
Company: London
Catalog: PS 583
Year: 1970
Country/State: UK
Grade (cover/record): VG/VG
Comments: minor ring, edge and corner wear; two pops on 2nd side; original inner sleeve
Available: 1
GEMM catalog ID:
Price: $150.00
Now we're talking hopelessly obscure ... Following stints in Please, Neon Pearl and Gun (see separate entries), 1970 found singer/drummer Peter Dunton collaborating with ex-Bulldog Breed guitarist Keith Cross and bassist Bernard Jinks (Jinks had also been in Neon Pearl). As T.2 (note the period between the T and the 2), the trio attracted considerable attention with a stint as one of the house bands at London's famed Marquee Club. The resulting publicity led to a recording contract with Decca (London acquiring American distribution rights) and an impressive appearance at the 1970 Isle of Wight festival.
Co-produced by Peter Johnston and the band, to our ears 1970's "It'll All Work In
Boomland" stands as an overlooked classic. To our ears, the majority of rock trios come off as flat and wanting. These guys are a major exception. With Dunton responsible for all four songs, extended tracks such as "In Circles" and the ballad "J.L.T." offered up a great mix of progressive moves, tempered by surprisingly commercial roots. The proceedings were clearly helped by Cross' imaginative and impressive guitar (check out his stunning work on "No More White Horses"), as well as Dunton's attractive voice and powerhouse drumming. Other highlights included the
freak out ending on the previously mentioned "No More White Horses" and a good portion of the 21 minute-plus, side long opus "Morning" (particularly those sections where Cross cuts loose with some spectacularly pretty solos).
"It'll All Work Out In Boomland" track listing:
(side
1)
1.) In Circles (Peter Dunton) - 8:32
2.) J.L.T. (Peter Dunton) - 5:49
3.) No More White Horses (Peter Dunton) - 8:33
(side
2)
4.) Morning (Peter Dunton) - 21:12
The trio actually recorded the majority of a second album, but the project was scrapped when the band collapsed. In the late 1990's the tapes were released by the small Essex label as
"TP" (catalog number LP 1019).
Following the band's breakup Cross reappeared as a member of Cross and Ross (see separate entry).