Conception

Pennsylvania's Chyld began as a pop-metal outfit in the mid-'80s, but by the time its full-length album Conception was released in 1988, the band — under the leadership of the eccentric but extremely gifted singer/guitarist John Joseph — had evolved immensely. On Conception, the band's metal roots are still evident (particularly in its killer chops), but many unusual and disparate influences are at work here, from Pink Floyd to REM to Black Sabbath; indeed, it would be hard to classify the band under one genre. Sweet pop melodies like "What You Came For" stand alongside hard-charging rockers like "Traveler," all of which are imbued with texture and imagination (and the kind of experimental spirit that can only come from countless hours spent in the studio with plenty of pot on hand). Joseph's lyrics veer from the nonsensical to the poetic, but his voice is always utterly recognizable. Following the more pop-friendly (but still unusual) first half of the album, side two reveals layer after layer of compositional depth, particularly on "November" and "Far Away (From Yesterday)," recalling Physical Graffitti-era Led Zeppelin and the mid-'70s psychedelia of Pink Floyd (complete with sound effects). The arrangements are filled with an astounding wealth of unpredictable twists and turns. More and more rewarding with each listen, Conception has a lot going on under the surface. Sadly, this was the band's only official release, and it's nearly impossible to find. If a copy crosses your path, do not hesitate to pick it up.