The group's second album, with
Anderson (vocals, flute, acoustic guitars, keyboards, balalaika),
Martin Barre (electric guitar, flute),
Clive Bunker (drums), and
Glen Cornick (bass), solidified the group's sound. There is still an element of blues, but except for "A New Day Yesterday," it is far more muted than on their first album, as
Mick Abrahams' blues stylings are largely absent from
Martin Barre's playing. The influence of folk music also began to manifest itself ("Look Into the Sun"). The instrumental "Bouree," which could've been an early
Blood, Sweat & Tears track, became a favorite concert number, although at this point
Anderson's flute playing on-stage needed a lot of work; by his own admission, he just wasn't that good. Bassist
Cornick would last through only one more album, but he gets his best moments here, on "Bouree." As a story song with opaque lyrics and jarring tempo changes, "Back to the Family" is the forerunner to
Thick as a Brick. The only major flaw in this album is the mix, which divides the electric and acoustic instruments and fails to find a solid center. The LP comes with a "pop-up" jacket interior. ~ Bruce Eder