Henry Cow - Unrest (Black Vinyl)

Henry Cow's second album saw a number of changes from their debut. Saxophonist Geoff Leigh had left, and was replaced by multi instrumentalist Lindsay Cooper. The jazzy feel of much of their debut gave way to the kind of avant-rock which would later be labelled RIO, and the album was darker and less readily accessible.

The album also showed two distinct sides to Henry Cow - side 1 (tracks 1 - 3) featured pieces composed by individual members, whilst side 2 was largely taken up with group improvisations enhanced with studio effects. If you're looking for comparisons, side 1 has a lot in common with Univers Zero, while side 2 is closer to Faust.

Unrest is a superb achievement by on of the most committed and uncompromising of 1970s rock groups. It may be hard work, but ultimately it is also highly rewarding.