THREE FRIENDS

More rock oriented than the extremely adventurous 'Acquiring the Taste' and also a concept album about (obviously) three friends that grows apart when turning adult. The album is more instrumental than vocal which is somewhat unusal for a concept album though the arrangements and playing remain excellent. New drummer Malcom Mortimore does a steady job, replacing Martin Smith who left for personal reasons just before the recording sessions, and provides a more looser and "jam" oriented style (see "Peel the Paint"). A very symphonic album for Gentle Giant's standards and probably the album that lies closest to their prog-companions Yes and Genesis, but this would be misleading as GG are definitely in their own field, stronger folk influences and generally more complex. "Schooldays" is one of the strangest compositions here abut displays the bands unique creativety in the most jawdropping way, while more dense tracks such as "Working all Day" and "Mister Class and Quality?" got a great groove. While not as superb as later releases this is still a must have for fans of the band, and especially if you enjoyed other Phil Schulman-era albums. 4.25/5