High Tide was one of those obscure bands at the turn of the 70's who have been cited as an influence on both hard rock, heavy metal, and the avant-garde. Revolving around the tense pairing of Tony Hill on guitar and Simon House on violin and organ, as well as Hill's haunting Morrison-like vocals, the album is a cauldron of fluctuating peaks and valleys more attuned to the noise-rock scene of the 80's, even though there is quite a 70's progressive feel as far as the arrangements go. The titles and lyrics ("Futilist's Lament", "Death Warmed Up", etc.) reflect a mindset quite the doomy opposite from the then-prevailing psychedelic mood, that is for sure. But this is not to be confused with the simple, straightforward Black Sabbath-style of visceral horror, for High Tide is definitely more of the refined, psychological variety - based on Hill and House continously suggesting the listener's mind with note after crudely, distorted note spilling out of their respective instruments. As far as underground albums go, this is one of the more uncompromising - and fascinating - to take in.