The band Kestrel were a high-tech collective led by Newcastle-based singer/songwriter/guitarist Dave Black, who released their eponymous debut album in 1975 with an exquisite balance of refined melodic sensibilities and dense playing. Their only album, with its pop sensibilities and (instrumental) sonic experimentation, failed to attract any attention despite its perfection, and remained a buried gem of a band/record that was talked about only among a small circle of fans. Whilst the band's own playing ensemble is excellent, it's the well-placed mellotron and Dave Black's creative guitar work that really make this album stand out. Opening track 'The Acrobat' and closing track 'August Carol' are arguably the best tracks on the record, while 'I Believe In You' is a sensationally arranged AOR-style number that makes the band's short-lived existence a great shame.