3

I love the free-flowing nature of the album, the experimentation. And I love the mix of short pieces and long tracks.

The album reminds me of the jazzy period of King Crimson, also around 70/71. This also applies to Jan's guitar. Who influenced who?

Round goes the gossip - I don't think this is the perfect opener, despite the instrumental craftmanship 6/10

Love remembered - I love this one much better. Great flute work 8/10

Sylvia - classic Focus track and a great tune 9/10

Carnival Fuge - I like this track, again especially when Jan plays 7/10

Focus III - great track, awesome rendition of this work 8/10

Answers? Questions! Questions? Answers! - Absolute masterpiece. The best track on the album. This could be a KC track on Islands. Jazzy, great dynamics, great guitar. The best part is 8 minutes in, when Jan Akkerman hits it 10/10

Elspeth of Nottingham - Not my favourite tune, but a nice break between the two epics 6/10

Anonymous II - Focus shows what they have in store, which is a lot. Great extended jamming session 9/10

I give this album a 4-star rating, similar to Hamburger Concerto.

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