On 20 November 2026, Think Like A Key release a remixed and remastered 50th anniversary CD edition of what’s perhaps the greatest unsung album of the Progressive 1970s.
Originally released on Charisma Records in November 1976, the one and only album by A.F.T. (Automatic Fine Tuning) is a mind-blowing, dual guitar-based instrumental work centred around a 30-minute ‘Rock Symphony’.
Stream the first five minutes of “The Great Panjandrum Wheel” via the YouTube player below:
The band that would become A.F.T. formed at Reading University in 1973, and were originally a Blues Rock group called Glyder. But when they moved into a large, semi-derelict house in London’s Maida Vale, months of intensive writing and rehearsals saw them evolve into a phenomenally tight instrumental quartet playing a head-spinningly complex yet melodic brand of guitar-based Progressive Rock. Paul MacDonnell and Robert Cross were the twin guitarists, with Trevor Darks (bass) and Dave Ball (drums) creating the powerful rhythm tracks.
Managed by Neal and Loyd Grossman (before they moved into the restaurant and TV business), A.F.T. signed to Charisma in 1976, who predicted that they would “soon become the most dynamic force in rock music.” Unfortunately, the album’s release coincided with a backlash against Progressive music and the rise of Punk, and despite wowing audiences wherever they played, A.F.T. were quickly abandoned by both their management and record company, leading to the band’s early demise.
Deleted and soon forgotten, A.F.T.’s album left barely a trace at the time. And yet, it’s hard to believe that, given its exciting metallic baroque sound, the album didn’t feature in the record collections of certain key NWOBHM and progressive musicians. In recent years, it has developed a cult following online as a new generation of fans have discovered it via YouTube and Facebook.
This is the first official reissue of this incredible album, and includes bonus Peel session and live tracks. Remixed and remastered by veteran engineer Prof. Stoned, the sound quality is also far superior to all previous releases. Includes an in-depth 2,500 word essay on the band.
The CD can be pre-ordered here: https://tlak.rocks/aft
Tracklist:
01. The Great Panjandrum Wheel (Part One)
02. Gladioli
03. The Great Panjandrum Wheel (Part Two)
04. Queen of the Night
05. Race Horses (Radio Session)
06. Superstition (Live)
07. Airplane Annie (Live)
08. Sweet Georgia Brown (Live)
09. 12-Bar Encore (Live)
Paul A. MacDonnell / Guitar
Robert Cross / Guitar
Trevor Darks / Bass
Dave Ball / Drums and Vocals