GENTLE GIANT

Perhaps the most underestimated of any Gentle Giant album, their debut is more grounded, less ambitious but still beautifully unique. Kerry Minnear emerges as the songwriting force; of course he would remain there for the duration of Giants existence. The multi-instrumentalism of the Shulmans is all there, maybe not to the extent of future albums, but that touch makes this album more or less moody. I noticed that the guitar work is more noticeable and driving, especially in Why Not. Funny Ways is a gentle and eclectic piece that picks up, definitely a Giant classic. Giant and Alucard are also note-worthy tracks, Alucard being a predominately synthesized song and Giant an energetic song that builds into a frenzy before emerging into an organ-dominated and somewhat epic interlude and finishing how it began. The Crowning glory of this album although is the somehow forgotten Nothing At All. A piece that sounds very much unlike any other Giant song, that's because it's very, well . normal. It goes from soft and picturesque, to bluesy with an impressive guitar solo from Gary Green. After this it goes into a drum solo and is pulled out by some classical piano, until a seemingly improvised piano/drum duet kicks in. Finishing chaotically this section sinks back into its beautiful beginning. "Isn't it quiet and cold" is whimsical and the "Queen" a traditional song arranged by GG is a showcase of guitar prowess. I thoroughly enjoyed the album; its songs were certainly interesting, although not the best album Giant has ever produced it deserves recognition and is an album of quality. From here Gentle Giant developed their style further, but this is still no doubt signature GG work.