IN A GLASS HOUSE

This is my first review on this site, so I figure I'd start with reviewing my favorite album of my currently favorite band. I was first turned onto this band by hearing Experience on the playlist of this site. Therefore it enticed me to download the rest of the songs from this album, (don't get me wrong, I buy every album I own). But anyways, I'll review this album in my favorite way to read reviews, track by track.

The Runaway (8/10); This is a very catchy song, and I believe a great song to ease people in to Gentle Giant's style. Although it's lengthy, and the musicianship is very technical, it still retains it's identity throughout. The rhythm changes aren't as frantic as some of their other songs. I just love the funk feel to it. The xylophone solo is incredible. And I love the quieter sections with the recorders descending scale melodies.

An Inmate's Lullaby (7/10); The title of this track is the perfect description of it's sound. It's calming, but very deranged and creepy. The constant xylophones throughout, and lack of much percussion set the perfect mood for it's haunting lyrics about living life as a psychotic in an institution.

Way of Life (7/10); This song kicks off extremely funky and fast. The first riff and section is my favorite of the song. Compared to the other longer tracks on this album, it just doesn't stand out as much for me. I still like it though. It holds frantic rhythm changes. How the song returns to it's opening section is what keeps me listening to it.

Experience (10/10); The best way to describe this song is, complete and utter magic. The galloping bass drum rhythm carries you through the song like you're riding a horse though a world of color, magic, wonders, and munchkins. Haha don't ask me how I thought of that, I just get the Oompa Loompa vibe from this song (as well as Knots). But that world is brought to life by the interweaving organ, keyboards, bass, and guitar (all of which hold their own individual patterns). Another favorite section is when the bass plays by itself along with the continuing gallop rhythm, then what sounds like a distorted violin comes in over top in a completely different pattern. Amazing. Then comes the haunting church-like vocal harmony, bass guitar trade off. The perfect lead into the coolest funk sections I've ever heard, with Derek's vocals soaring above it. After this section reoccurs, the song concludes with magical melodies from the first half of the song, with a solid drum beat over top. I highly recommend this song if you decide to have a mushroom night.

A Reunion (5/10); Not that it's a completely bad song. I just don't really consider it a song. More of a vocal/violin lead into the next song.

In a Glass House (10++++/10); This is my absolute favorite Gentle Giant song (and one of my favorite songs in general). It opens with a beautiful acoustic guitar riff, and kicks into an uptempo/uplifting collage of awesome (and individual) bass, violin, and acoustic melodies. This opening section has brought me to tear up it's so good. The rest of the song continues with ever changing time signatures and rhythms, but it keeps the same mystical yet uplifting vibe. That phenomenal opening section reoccurs once more, and leads into a sexy, funky, and frantic sax charged section with some awesome vocals, and an odd time signature. After more previous sections reoccur, the song leads into it's second half; a very hard rocking odd rhythm. Derek showcases (in my opinion) his best vocals on the record throughout this part. Aside from a couple quieter breakdowns with a cool acoustic slide guitar solo, this rockin' section concludes the song, and album.

Well that about does it for my first review as a new member. I hope you found it helpful if you are a progarchives browser like I was, looking to get into this amazing band.