Recorded before the release of the Brand X debut Unorthodox Behavior, these 1975-1976 recordings represent the earliest known preservations of the group's beginnings. These are quality recordings that include previously unavailable material. The shining talent and genius of this, the most important of Brit jazz-fusion groups, comes through brightly. Brand X has long been a "musicians' band" where the fretwork of John Goodsall, percussion of Phil Collins, keyboard techniques of Robert Lumley, and bass of Percy Jones inspire others to greater attainment. Still, no music degree is required to appreciate this invigorating, unforgettable music that still sounds remarkably fresh and forward thinking. Over 50 minutes of stunning exploration is contained in the original quintet's six never-before-heard songs. Even after 20 years, Brand X remains in its incipient form the final word in guitar-based progress jazz-rock.

Conventional very good fusion. Even funny. Compared to "Unorthodox Behaviour" and "Moroccan Roll", the compositions here are a bit more diluted: the tracks are less loaded, although there are bits where the bass and drums are complex and fast…

Brand X's most eclectic album to date, Product is perhaps most notable for its attempts at a pop crossover in the Phil Collins-sung "Don't Make Waves" and "Soho." The range of styles presented here – hard and soft fusion, pop, progressive rock – results from the now-interchangeable nature of the Brand X lineup, which, in addition to the returning Collins and Robin Lumley, is expanded to include bassist John Giblin and drummer Mike Clarke…

Without the drumming of Phil Collins, who does appear on some of Brand X's albums, Masques still maintains a snug, jazzy-prog milieu and comes off clean and tight. Each song has a different beat, speed, and tempo with a satisfying assortment of keyboards and percussion instruments to keep the entire album afloat…

Morrocan Roll is not a step toward the rock & roll side of the fusion equation, but rather an experiment with Eastern sounds and softer textures that trades in the thunderstorms of their debut for rhythmically rich siroccos…

Cardboard sleeve reissue from Brand X features remastering in 2014 for the first time and the high-fidelity SHM-CD format…

Cardboard sleeve reissue from Brand X features remastering in 2014 for the first time and the high-fidelity SHM-CD format.