Argent ~ England

Counterpoints (1975)

About four years ago I was on quite the Argent kick. They were a band I largely ignored until finding the live album during the pandemic. That was then followed by Nexus and the box set that possessed their first four albums. I since sold Encore and the box, with the anticipation that I would eventually find the Argent studio albums on vinyl. But that surprisingly didn't happen, and Counterpoints is the first one for me to find in the wilds since 2021. It's also the end of their trio of progressive rock albums before essentially calling it a day as a band. I've put my views on the box set at the end of this post, and perhaps I'll flesh each out individually as I find them. I haven't heard Counterpoints or its predecessor Circus, so it's time for me to get back on the Argent saddle. 

Mellotron on the opening cut, and yes, heavy counterpoint on tracks 2 and 3 immediately point to both Yes and Gentle Giant right up front. The next song sort of floats by and then we're introduced to the jazz fusion side of the band to close out the side. No doubt Phil Collins bringing his Brand X influence with him. Guitarist John Grimaldi gets to show off his chops here. B2 is the type of song Russ Ballard would throw in, so it's placement here is unnecessary for their new direction. B4 is another curveball and reminds me of Santana at his soulful best, complete with mellotron no less.

Interesting to read that both RYM and ProgArchives have this album rated quite low. And I wouldn't be surprised if Gnosis was there as well. It's a mite inconsistent and it doesn't possess any real highs, but it is solid 1975 English prog fare. I also noticed the 3rd track is called 'Time' and I was strangely reminded of the post Spontaneous Combustion group. Perhaps not that all-in progressive, but there are moments that had me thinking about them. Also Druid sort of floated to the top. Yea, I'm keeping this.

One other curiosity: Counterpoints has never been reissued legit on CD. Sure, there's the always questionable Big Pink version, but nothing that screams specialist label. Seems like a rescue project for Wounded Bird or Iconoclassic.

Ownership: 1976 United Artists (LP)

8/30/25 (acquired / review)
 

Nexus (1974)

By this point, Argent are two completely different groups. One is lead by Argent and bassist Chris White; the other by guitarist Russ Ballard. And never the twain shall meet. Argent and White are pretty much in full-on Yes territory by this point, and all their compositions are very satisfying. Ballard is busy trying to create hits, though mostly he succeeded at writing some good hard rockers this go round, especially on side 2, which he pretty much owns. I found myself enjoying this one quite a bit.

Ownership: 1974 Epic (LP)

3/14/21 (acquired / review)

  

Encore (1974)

All these years later, and I really don't know much about Rod Argent's music. Some of his work with The Zombies of course. And then 'Hold Your Head Up' was still getting regular radio airplay in the late 70s and early 80s. I was always intrigued by that song, though honestly it never seemed to hold my attention for the track length. And that's about all I knew. Their albums have always been easily available, but I never bothered to investigate. So when this double live album found its way to a local thrift shop - and in excellent condition - what the heck, let's blow the $2 and see what happens. As the track lengths indicate, Argent stretches out instrumentally in a live setting, and this works to their advantage - or so it seems. Though I'm not familiar with the studio versions as noted above. The reviews I've read are mixed about this live effort. Argent himself makes these compositions work, with some fine organ soloing and mellotron bits. Of course there's plenty of guitar from Russ Ballard as well. Good place for me to start. I'll definitely be digging in the bins for their studio albums too.

Former ownership: 1974 Epic (2xLP)

8/6/20 (acquired / review)

Original Album Classics. 2009 Epic Legacy (5xCD). I don't really have much background with Argent, so finding this box set with the rest of the sale was a thrill. I discuss my history with Argent on the Encore post as well as on Nexus, which is the 5th album in this set. And probably my favorite. The debut still has a Zombies leftover psych feel. It's a very good album, though maybe not enough to convince me to pursue further. Along with Nexus, I think Ring of Hands is the best album here. Very strong early progressive rock work, with superb organ and guitar. All Together Now loses some of the momentum, though it features their most known (and excellent) cut 'Hold Your Head Up'. In Deep is even lesser to my interest as Argent are getting further away from progressive rock, and more towards standard radio fare. Fortunately they reversed gears on Nexus. This box set has no bonus tracks to supplement. Since I already have Nexus on vinyl, I can let this one go, and will look for Ring of Hands separately (LP or CD depending on what I find). I don't think the debut and All Together Now would survive on their own, though both definitely are worth checking out.

10/26/21 - 10/27/21 (acquired / review)

8/6/20 (new entry)