Riches from the rock underground

CANAMII

Concept, WEA International, South Africa, 1980. £600.

Concept is a strange album. Opening with layers of cosmic synths, Afrock has the vibe of an obscure late70s Italian zombie movie soundtrack. That’s followed by Phantom Players, which introduces the haunting folky narrative of vocalist Claire Whittaker. From here on it’s a progressive journey into a sci-fi world of intriguing sounds and top-drawer musicianship, albeit spectacularly kitsch in its ambition.

Canamii was essentially a studio project, inspired in part by the conceptual works of the Alan Parsons Project, and featured a revolving cast of top studio musicians and engineers; keyboard player Phillip Nel was chief engineer at EMI studios in Johannesburg, and Whittaker worked there as a mastering engineer. They all worked intensely on the project and were given free rein to record and experiment at will until it was complete.

Comparisons to Renaissance and early Curved Air can be made, although only really as reference points. Whittaker’s strange, otherworldly vocal style brings to mind Kate Bush and Toyah, set against a backdrop of post-apocalyptic salvation.

Explorations through jazzy, funky, often complex arrangements (And The Moon Be As Bright) contrast with mellower, folkier elements, although the quieter parts can often feel slightly harassed by synthetic drums sounds and computerised voices.

Concept is definitely unique. While in parts it can be compared to other artists and recordings, it stands in its own place and time. A cult album, for sure. LD

‘A progressive journey into a sci-fi world of intriguing sounds.’