If ~ England

If 3 (1971)

If are one of those bands that I should know much better than I do. I've only picked up two of their releases on CD over the years, and couldn't tell you much about their sound. And that's because I haven't documented any of my listens. The group released eight albums from their original run, and for some reason, I think I've passed on a couple of their LPs in recent years. Probably were too expensive. Of course it doesn't help that the group's moniker and generic early titles are entirely unGoogleable. Naturally, they had no idea how the future would unfold.

Starting with Hammond organ followed by dual saxophone harmony and rhythm guitar, I'm immersed into their groovy set right from the off. They introduce vocals on A2 separating themselves from a pure jazz rock outfit. Some inspired psychedelic soloing on this track as well. A4 picks up the familiar groove from the opener. You hear collectives from Germany reviving this sound in the mid 70s, like Missus Beastly and even Embryo. Some of the vocal tracks, like B1 and B2, tend to drag. Reminds me a bit of later Skin Alley in that way. B3 is a nice song with some excellent sax soloing. I think this is the sound that If works best in. A combination of songcraft and instrumental flights of fancy. B4 is similar to the predecessor, though the soloists this time are the guitarist and organist.

Debatable if this is a necessary part of my collection, though I heard plenty to hang onto it for another listen in the future, at the very least.

Ownership: 2007 Repertoire (CD). Papersleeve. Gatefold. Poster booklet features a full review from Chris Welch. The two bonus tracks are single edits from the LP.

3/31/16 (acquired); 11/24/25 (review)

Also own and need to review If 2. Now that I've given If some focus, I'm sure I'll get ahold of some of their other titles as well, and report back here when I do.

11/24/25 (new entry)