People often talk about albums as being influential, or as capturing a certain sensibility. The Twilights are one of the few bands who actually deserve such an accolade – the music found on their 1968 debut Once upon a twilight... is nothing short of timeless.

Yet, it’s of its time too. A psychedelic pop masterpiece save for the second last track, the gimmicky throwaway of “The Cocky Song”, the likes of “Bessemae” sit comfortably alongside the likes of Love’s “Alone Again Or” in that it’s just a stunningly beautiful song. The brilliant pop of “Stop the World For a Day” is awesome, filled with melody and clever little psychedelic touches thanks to the clever use of keyboards and changing dynamics, as the drum patterns of Laurie Pryor echo those of Keith Moon.

Glenn Shorrock, later of Axiom and the Little River Band, sings in a clear and outstanding voice, while guitarist/musical genius Terry Britten (who would later write for the likes of Cliff Richard, Tina Turner, and Michael Jackson) adds swathes of extra instrumentation – glorious strings on “Mr. Nice”, tabla and flute on “Devendra”. As a swansong for the band, who had a string of not-quite-hits before decamping to the UK then returning home with their tail between their legs, Once upon a twilight... is a masterpiece of sounds and songs.

And really, that’s what makes it such a stand out release of not just its era but of Australian music in general – it manages to both sound amazing but also have some extraordinary tunes. “Tomorrow is Today” comes alive in this new stereo mix, with Peter Brideoake’s cello and horns complementing the cross-fade from speaker to speaker. Once upon a twilight... ends with the sprawling “Paternosta Row”, which in under three-and-a-half minutes show all the genius of Britten at its best. Once upon a twilight... is close to perfect.