Lift: Rediscovering ‘Caverns of Your Brain’—The Overlooked Prog Gem
Wow, today we’re diving into ‘Caverns of Your Brain,’ the 1977 album by the US progressive rock band Lift.
I still remember discovering this record when I was much younger, immersed in the music blogosphere that shared obscure and rare gems from the ’60s and ’70s. The strange cover—featuring a surreal eye—caught my attention, and at first glance, I assumed it was a psych rock record. It turned out to be a stunning slice of progressive rock crafted by a band led by Chip Gremillion, born in 1954 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Gremillion’s early love of music was sparked by Bach’s ‘Toccata and Fugue in D minor,’ which he heard in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. That detail alone offers insight into Lift’s music—grandiose, haunting, and brimming with ambition. Years later, when I started my music magazine, I had the chance to interview Chip about Lift’s history. That conversation, along with other fascinating details, now appears in the superb reissue of ‘Caverns of Your Brain’ by PQR-Disques Plusqueréel. The updated cover art, inspired by H.R. Giger, perfectly complements the album’s otherworldly essence.
Originally self-released, ‘Caverns of Your Brain’ has long been a prized find among collectors, celebrated for its technical brilliance and vivid atmosphere. Thanks to this new reissue, prog rock freaks can rediscover a hidden treasure, now polished with a visual aesthetic that enhances its mystique.
It’s not every day you come across a symphonic prog band from an unexpected place like 1970s New Orleans. Lift’s singular album blends Mellotron-soaked grandeur with dynamic, bluesy undercurrents—a combination that leaves listeners wondering how they flew under the radar for so long.
The album was recorded in 1974 but faced delays and complications, including an unauthorized release in 1977. Even so, the album’s charm remains undiminished. Its four tracks showcase a young band brimming with ambition, heavily influenced by Yes, early Genesis, and Nektar, yet infused with a distinctly American flair.
‘Simplicity’ opens the album with soaring keyboard lines and punchy bass riffs reminiscent of Chris Squire. The track’s fluid tempo shifts—from pastoral Mellotron passages to exhilarating complexity. Tony Hilton-Green’s vocals evoke Jon Anderson, while Cody Kelleher’s intricate bass work complements Gremillion’s commanding keyboards, firmly establishing the band’s progressive credentials.
The title track, ‘Caverns,’ slows the pace, immersing listeners in lush Mellotron textures and a mysterious, introspective atmosphere. Meanwhile, ‘Buttercup Boogie’ introduces a southern-rock twist with its rollicking, organ-driven energy, showcasing Lift’s ability to balance their symphonic style with earthy vibe.
The album concludes with ‘Trippin’ Over the Rainbow,’ an 11-minute epic that alternates between serene, Mellotron-led sections and frenetic keyboard solos. This ambitious closer encapsulates Lift’s creativity and the conceptual underpinnings of the album. Listening, you can’t help but wonder why they didn’t catch the attention of major labels. Perhaps they were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Critics often note Lift’s influences, sometimes dismissing them as a “Yes rip-off” or a less-polished Kansas. While it’s true that their sound draws heavily from British prog giants, Lift’s bluesy undertones set them apart—something rarely associated with bands like Yes. The album shows what could be achieved in a time when prog rock wasn’t exactly mainstream in the US.
For fans of vintage symphonic rock, ‘Caverns of Your Brain’ is a rewarding listen. Steeped in Mellotron-heavy textures, it carries a scrappy charm that reflects Lift’s southern roots. Whether you’re a collector of rare prog obscurities or simply exploring the ’70s symphonic scene, this album deserves your attention. Listening feels like being transported to a 1970s dorm room, where a group of friends—obsessed with British prog—channels that passion into something uniquely their own.
Klemen Breznikar
Lift – ‘Caverns of Your Brain’ (1977/2024 PQR-Disques Plusqueréel reissue on Black Vinyl / Gold Vinyl / Splatter Vinyl)
