T2
Biography
In the grand tapestry of British progressive rock, few bands occupy as intriguing a position as T2, a power trio whose brief but incandescent career burned bright in the early 1970s before flickering out, leaving behind one of the era's most compelling lost classics. Their story is one of artistic ambition, commercial indifference, and the cruel mathematics of the music industry that saw countless talented bands fall through the cracks of history.
Formed in London in 1970, T2 emerged from the fertile ground of Britain's post-psychedelic underground, when the boundaries between heavy rock, progressive experimentation, and blues-based jamming were still deliciously fluid. The band coalesced around three core members: Keith Cross on guitar and vocals, Peter Dunton on bass, and Bernard Jinks behind the drum kit. Cross, the band's primary creative force, had previously cut his teeth in various London blues and rock outfits, developing a guitar style that married the heaviness of early metal pioneers with the exploratory spirit of progressive rock's first wave.
What set T2 apart from their contemporaries was their willingness to push sonic boundaries while maintaining an underlying accessibility that never sacrificed melody for mere technical prowess. Their sound drew from multiple wells – the thunderous low-end explorations of Cream, the pastoral mysticism of early Genesis, and the experimental edge of King Crimson – yet synthesized these influences into something distinctly their own. Cross's guitar work was particularly noteworthy, featuring extended passages of controlled feedback, innovative use of effects pedals, and a tone that could shift from crystalline clean passages to earth-shaking distortion within the span of a single song.
The band's sole studio album, "It'll All Work Out in Boomland," released in 1970 on Deram Records, stands as their defining statement and perhaps one of the most overlooked gems of the progressive rock canon. The album's centerpiece, the eighteen-minute epic "In Circles," remains a masterclass in dynamic songwriting, building from whispered acoustic beginnings through multiple movements that encompass everything from pastoral folk to crushing heavy rock. The track's patient development and organic flow demonstrated a compositional maturity that belied the band's brief existence.
Other standout tracks included "Morning," a haunting meditation on loss and renewal that showcased Cross's more introspective songwriting, and "J.L.T.," a driving rocker that proved the band could deliver concise, powerful statements alongside their extended compositions. The album's production, handled by Tony Colton, captured the band's live energy while allowing space for the subtle details that made their arrangements so compelling.
Despite critical acclaim from the underground press and a devoted following among progressive rock enthusiasts, T2 struggled to find commercial success in an increasingly crowded marketplace. The early 1970s saw an explosion of progressive and heavy rock bands, and many deserving acts simply couldn't break through the noise. The band's uncompromising artistic vision, while admirable, didn't translate into radio-friendly singles or the kind of theatrical live performances that were becoming increasingly important for breaking new acts.
Financial pressures and the realities of the music business led to T2's dissolution in 1971, just as progressive rock was entering its commercial golden age. Cross continued his musical journey, later forming Kingdom and pursuing various solo projects, while Dunton and Jinks moved on to other musical endeavors. The band's brief career seemed destined for complete obscurity.
However, the digital age has been kind to T2's legacy. "It'll All Work Out in Boomland" has been rediscovered by successive generations of progressive rock fans, aided by reissues and the ability to share music online. The album has achieved something approaching cult status, regularly appearing on lists of essential overlooked progressive rock albums. Music critics and historians have increasingly recognized the band's contributions to the genre's development, particularly their influence on the heavier end of progressive rock.
Cross's guitar work has been cited as an influence by numerous musicians, and the band's approach to extended composition has been recognized as ahead of its time. In an era when progressive rock is experiencing renewed interest, T2's music sounds remarkably fresh and relevant, proving that genuine artistic vision transcends the commercial considerations of its time.
Today, T2 stands as a testament to the creative ferment of early 1970s British rock, a reminder that some of the era's most compelling music came from bands who never achieved widespread recognition but whose artistic integrity and innovation continue to inspire new generations of musicians and listeners.
