For many bands, having all their gear stolen would be catastrophic. ForThird Ear Band, this unfortunate 1968 incident opened a portal to beneficial change that would ultimately define one of British experimental music’s most singular statements. Now,Antarctica Starts Herepresents the first-time vinyl reissue of the group’s self-titled 1970 sophomore album – often calledElementsdue to its elemental track titles – complete with new liner notes byDave Segalthat illuminate this remarkable chapter in acoustic psychedelia’s evolution. Leader and percussionistGlen Sweeneyviewed the theft as a sign to alter Third Ear Band’s approach entirely, switching to exclusively acoustic instruments just as electrified psychedelia reached full bloom. AlongsidePaul Minns