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Gilgamesh was one of the many bands from the Canterbury scene whose members flowed in and out of other bands. The leader here was Alan Gowen, who went on to play in National Health. Rounding out the lineup are Neil Murray, Phil Lee and Jeff Clyne. The music here is somewhat jazzier than Hatfield and the North or National Health. There are some pretty blistering jams, for example during the opening track or "Arriving Twice", which went on to be used on National Health's posthumous tribute to Gowen, D.S. Al Coda. There is also some nice, primitive organ playing during "Notwithstanding" in the Dave Stewart vein although somewhat less sublime. The long multi-part tracks tend to be the best, as they segue from one idea to the next instead of staying in the same place the whole way through. On the other hand, shorter acoustic tracks like "Lady and Friend" or "For Absent Friends" really drag, despite their reduced length. The album strikes me as a tier below the classic Canterbury bands, though. It seems somewhat less substantial, and maybe too light to hold my attention. This isn't to deny the presence of chops, but perhaps the fact that said parts aren't particularly compelling to me. Your mileage may vary. review by Sean McFee — undated —

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Note: This review is very old and may no longer accurately reflect the author's views. This prime Canterbury debut, wallowing in angular riffing and frequently-shifting, complex jazzy voicings, displays Gilgamesh to be very much kindred spirits to Hatfield & The North. In fact, Northette Amanda Parsons shows up here, the album was co-produced with Hatfield keyboardist Dave Stewart, and Gilgamesh's main writer and keyboardist Alan Gowen would soon join forces with Stewart in the formation of National Health. So, bottom line is if you love those bands, you'll probably love this too. Personally speaking, like National Health, it just by and large ain't my cup o' tea. More 'proper' than powerful. I want my jazz-rock to rip out my heart and light it on fire, like Mola Ram in the Indiana Jones movie. I don't particularly need whimsical but limp-sounding ditties dedicated to Phil Miller's trousers. C'mon guys, where's the Oomph? review by Joe McGlinchey — undated —