The Nice were one of the first "progressive" bands that emerged in the latter half of the 1960s. Progressive meant at that time primarily that a band integrated elements from other musical genres into their rock and pop music; primarily from jazz or classical music. At the the Nice was formed in 1967 the psychedelic wave was also at its peak, which obviously influences on the Nice's first album "The Thoughts of Emerlist Davjack".
It is beyond question that group members were skilled musicians, notably Keith Emerson was a virtuoso on his keyboards. The group's weaknesses were the lack of ability to write durable original compositions and their vocal work which at best can be called mediocre. In addition, the group probably never reached any clear musical direction during its releatively short existence from 1967-1970
These weaknesses notwithstanding, "The Thoughts of Emerlist Davjack" is no uninteresting album. And although the album is very much a timepiece, it seems obvious groups like King Crimson, Traffic, Nice and others mutually influenced each other. "Flower King of Flies", which is one of the best numbers, can easily lead the mind towards the Small Faces or King Crimson, while another of the better songs "Tantalising Maggie" may have elements of Traffic or Cream.
Other more memorable songs include "The Cry of Eugene" and the title track "The Thoughts of Emerlist Davjack". "Bonnie K" is a solid blues rocker. Two numbers "Rondo" and "War and Peace" is instrumental, and quite long - read lengthy.
If you are lucky to have a version with bonus tracks the b-side "Diamond Hard Blue Apples and the Moon" is a very "nice" addition.
