THREE FRIENDS

I've just realized recently that I have not reviewed this third effort, in terms of album release, by Gentle Giant. Having established their music direction since the debut self-titled album and followed with the second one "Acquiring The Taste", in this third album the band seemed like to confirm that "this is the kind of music we play". This is quite different with any other music offerings during the time of release. I knew that there was basically no, or little, similarities among bands that made their albums around the 70s as each of band had their own sound and nothing alike. Name it: Genesis, Yes, ELP, Pink Floyd, Gentle Giant, Van der Graaf Generator, etc. all have their own style peculiar to their preferences and talents. Gentle Giant took the path to combining some avant-garde music with music harmonies - thing that seemed impossible to merge. Avant-garde knows no boundaries while music harmonies require certain rules (a combination of chords and notes that meet certain rules to make listening pleasure). But that's their job to make it a solid composition. And they are successful with this third album as indicated by songs like "Peel The Paint" that has successfully balanced those two poles. In a way there is component of hard rock style in this song through the riffs produced by guitar work.

On the exploration of avant garde, Schooldays, opens with a placid vibraphone and guitar theme that leads into laidback verses, featuring Philip Shulman's amazing voice. The vocal parts lead into a jazzy vibraphone solo which in a way creating an "avant-garde" nuance, before a return of the main vocal theme closes things out. The tracks on which Gentle Giant brings up the volume are rocking numbers in the usual Gentle Giant rock vein include Working All Day that features Derek Shulman's vocals. Guitar is featured prominently here. Other songs in this vein include the second half of Peel The Paint, which has Derek on vocals and features a nice and bluesy guitar solo. "Mister Class and Quality, treats the middle, in terms of style, between songs like Prologue and the second half of Peel The Paint.

If you claim yourself as prog lover, it's regretful if you do not have this album. It's an excellent addition to any prog music collection. Keep on proggin' ..!!!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW