A.F.T. - Automatic Fine Tuning (CD, Digipack, Anniversary Edition, Remastered)

Facts Digipak CD with a 16-page booklet, five previously unreleased bonus tracks, and audio restored and remastered by Prof. Stoned. A.F.T.'s sole 1976 album is one of British rock's most startling roads not taken: a largely instrumental twin-guitar symphony whose precision, speed and metallic force anticipated the progressive edge of the coming heavy-metal generation. Formed by guitarists Paul MacDonnell and Robert Cross, bassist Trevor Darks and drummer Dave Ball, A.F.T. recorded the album almost entirely live over ten days at Ridge Farm using the Maison Rouge mobile studio. The sprawling "Great Panjandrum Wheel" combines the complexity of Yes and King Crimson, the harmonized attack of Wishbone Ash and the drive of Led Zeppelin, while pointing toward Judas Priest, Iron Maiden and neoclassical metal. This band- and estate-supported 50th Anniversary Edition adds radio session rarity "Race Horses" plus four live recordings from Kettering. The booklet features Joe Banks's extensive history, rare photographs and period memorabilia.