{"product_id":"brian-augers-oblivion-express-brian-augers-oblivion-express-reissue","title":"BRIAN AUGER'S OBLIVION EXPRESS - Brian Auger's Oblivion Express (Reissue)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLP - Standard Edition Black Vinyl (2026 Repress). \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStrut Records\u003c\/strong\u003e presents a fresh look at \u003cem\u003eOblivion Express\u003c\/em\u003e, the 1971 album that marked \u003cstrong\u003eBrian Auger\u003c\/strong\u003e’s shift into a new musical frontier. After years spent shaping the sound of British jazz-soul with \u003cstrong\u003ethe Trinity\u003c\/strong\u003e, Auger stepped into the new decade with a leaner, electrified ensemble and a renewed sense of purpose. This record captures the moment that transformation took shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOblivion Express\u003c\/em\u003e introduced a sound that was distinctly Auger’s own. Rather than echoing the fusion emerging in the United States, Auger developed a language rooted in the UK’s jazz underground, culminating in a spaced out jazz- rock \/ prog-fusion album awash with larger than life drum fills and Auger’s virtuosic organ playing. Between bassist \u003cstrong\u003eBarry Dean\u003c\/strong\u003e and drummer \u003cstrong\u003eRobbie McIntosh\u003c\/strong\u003e the album moves effortlessly between tight, articulated phrases and broader, improvisational passages. The trio’s interplay forms the backbone of the album and sets the tone for the sound that would define the early years of the Express.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlbum opener “\u003cem\u003eDragon Song\u003c\/em\u003e” launches with a restless drive that immediately signals Auger’s new direction. Auger chose to record this version of \u003cstrong\u003eJohn McLaughlin\u003c\/strong\u003e’s piece (his friend and former bandmate in '\u003cstrong\u003eThe Niddy Griddys\u003c\/strong\u003e') after hearing McLaughlin’s album \u003cem\u003eDevotion\u003c\/em\u003e during its mix at New York’s \u003cstrong\u003eRecord Plant Studios\u003c\/strong\u003e. Auger was blown away, recalling, “Oh my god, this is amazing. I wanted to record that myself - and I did!”. Pieces like “\u003cem\u003eTotal Eclipse\u003c\/em\u003e” demonstrate the \u003cstrong\u003eOblivion Express\u003c\/strong\u003e’ command of dynamic contrast, and title track “\u003cem\u003eOblivion Express\u003c\/em\u003e” explores the cinematic and compositional prowess of the group through stripped back, building moments vs. explosive melodic breakdowns. Riff-heavy “\u003cem\u003eThe Sword\u003c\/em\u003e” later became known through Madlib’s usage in 2014 tracks “\u003cem\u003eYeti Movie\u003c\/em\u003e” and “\u003cem\u003eParodies\u003c\/em\u003e”.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn retrospect, \u003cem\u003eOblivion Express\u003c\/em\u003e stands as a jazz leaning, prog-rock masterpiece and foundational moment in Auger’s catalogue. It captures the starting point of a new sound that is more focused, more urgent, and fully committed to the possibilities of jazz-rock at the dawn of the seventies. The album remains a vivid document of a band discovering its identity and setting the stage for the further array of influential releases that would follow.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Strut Records","offers":[{"title":"LP - Vinyl","offer_id":57054720983385,"sku":"SDZ-04928","price":30.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0588\/3455\/0945\/files\/Brian_Auger_s_Oblivion_Express_-_self-titled_album_-_2026_Strut_Records_Reissue.jpg?v=1768300126","url":"https:\/\/spindizzyrecords.com\/products\/brian-augers-oblivion-express-brian-augers-oblivion-express-reissue","provider":"Spindizzy Dublin","version":"1.0","type":"link"}