The Incredible String Band – Liquid Acrobat As Regards The Air

The Incredible String Band – Liquid Acrobat As Regards The Air

Released in 1971, Liquid Acrobat As Regards The Air is the ninth studio album from the pioneering Scottish group The Incredible String Band, and one of the most interesting records from their later Island Records period. Recorded in August 1971 at Island Studios and Sound Techniques in London and produced by Stanley Schnier, the album marked a significant shift towards a more electric, rock-oriented sound while retaining the band's eccentric blend of British folk, psychedelia, traditional music and experimental songwriting.

The album followed a remarkable run of late-1960s psychedelic folk records including The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter and Wee Tam And The Big Huge, but Liquid Acrobat sounds noticeably different. It was the band's first almost entirely electric recording, signalling the direction they would pursue through the remainder of their Island years. At the centre are founding members Robin Williamson and Mike Heron, alongside Licorice McKechnie and Malcolm Le Maistre, with Fairport Convention drummer Gerry Conway also appearing on the album.

The first side moves through a wonderfully varied sequence of songs. “Talking Of The End” and “Dear Old Battlefield” retain the band's distinctive pastoral and mystical qualities, while “Cosmic Boy”, “Worlds They Rise And Fall” and “Evolution Rag” introduce a more electric, rhythmically adventurous character. “Painted Chariot” closes the side with another example of the band's fascination with unusual instrumentation and shifting musical textures.

Side Two begins with “Adam And Eve,” “Red Hair,” “Here Till Here Is There” and “Tree,” the latter being a reworking of the song “The Tree” from the band's 1966 debut album. The traditional-flavoured “Jigs” brings together “Eyes Like Leaves,” “Sunday Is My Wedding Day,” “Drops Of Whiskey” and “Grumbling Old Men,” before the album reaches its extraordinary finale.

At nearly eleven minutes, “Darling Belle” is the album's centrepiece and most ambitious composition. Written by Robin Williamson, it combines three-way vocals and spoken-word elements to tell the story of a woman from childhood through old age. The song perfectly demonstrates the Incredible String Band's ability to combine folk storytelling with surreal arrangements and unconventional vocal techniques.

For collectors of The Incredible String Band, British psychedelia, acid folk, progressive folk and early-1970s experimental rock, Liquid Acrobat As Regards The Air is an essential later-period album. It captures the group at the point where their legendary psychedelic-folk sound was becoming more electric and exploratory, making it an especially interesting record for listeners who enjoy the more adventurous side of the British underground music scene.

Side A

1. Talking Of The End – 5:31
2. Dear Old Battlefield – 3:08
3. Cosmic Boy – 3:51
4. Worlds They Rise And Fall – 3:28
5. Evolution Rag – 4:44
6. Painted Chariot – 3:45

Side B

1. Adam And Eve – 2:33
2. Red Hair – 2:10
3. Here Till Here Is There – 3:07
4. Tree – 3:00
5. Jigs – 2:44
   • Eyes Like Leaves
   • Sunday Is My Wedding Day
   • Drops Of Whiskey
   • Grumbling Old Men
6. Darling Belle – 10:54