David Chalmers - Primeval Road (Reissue) (1976)

The rare third Chalmers album is the kind of discovery collectors dream of, with a pressing of 100 copies, none actually sold commercially. It was produced only for demonstration purposes and as such actual album covers were never pressed. The music within shows Chalmers in a mellow, introspective mood. It’s similar to side two of “Primeval Road”; there’s not a heavy song here. The listener might keep waiting for a hot guitar solo to come and be disappointed that they just aren’t there (the last song, especially, seems designed to end in a flourish of lead guitar, but does not). The quality and mood of the album almost make up for it, though, as this album is quite good. It’s deep and melodic album that showcases tasteful guitar playing, sharp songwriting, mysterious lyrics, some dreamy arrangements, and excellent singing. It’s a bit bland here and there, which makes it a less successful album than “Primeval Road”, but it’s still a worthwhile LP. Records were distributed in shrinkwrapped cardboard boxes, including cover slicks and lyric sheets and promotional stickers that optimistically read “includes hit single Zig Zag”