THREE FRIENDS

'Three Friends', the big turning point in Gentle Giant's career where prog influences were moving from noticeable only with sharp ears to in the forefront for all to see (or hear, rather). The band serves up an interesting mix of classic rock, jazz- improvisation-style breakdowns (an element diminished to an extent since the previous album, 'Acquiring the Taste'), and prog insanity. It is also the band's first concept album, narrating the story of three friends whose connection was torn as they grew older through songs depicting each one of them, of course, with some prologues for context and a conclusion track. One friend works behind a desk ('Working All Day'), one an easel('Peel the Paint'), and one who worked his way up from a white-collar job to being a well-off executive ('Mister Class and Quality?!'). The largely instrumental first track, 'Prologue', has one of my all time favorite Gentle Giant guitar riffs. The minimal lyrics are amazing and act as preparation/context for the songs to come. 'Schooldays' has many passages with Gentle Giant trademark layered vocals that would be more prominent in the oncoming albums. The Soft piano section is a great part, like a callback to some similar stuff going in the debut and "Taste". 'Working All Day' has some great lyrics and an amazing solo which takes up the middle half of the track, utilizing many keyboard instruments (such as the Fender Rhodes) and guitar. 'Peel the Paint' has an interesting main rhythm, definitely progressive. Violins are omnipotent in this song, always ready for an interlude where they can show off. The aggressive guitar solo accompanied with vocals is one of Gentle Giant's most heavy moments, like Black Sabbath or some crap like that were featured here. Perfection. Metal perfection. Like an early 'Machine Messiah'. 'Mister Class and Quality?!' has an interesting blend of almost country influences, jazz, and rock in the music and medieval in the vocals. This seamlessly transitions into the title track, a symphonic chant of a song that summarizes the album with only twenty-two words. A wonderful way to complete a concept album like Gentle Giant has masterfully crafted. Prog on.

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