FOCUS 8

On Focus 8 Thijs van Leer yodels and plays the flute and Hammond as he always has done on previous releases of the band Focus, but contrary to what one might expect, this album is not just a lackluster repeat of past success formulas. Sure, the albums also knows a few weak moments (the song 'Fretless love' sounds like a variation on previous songs with 'Focus' in the title, and the song 'De ti o de mi' could have been done in 3 minutes instead of 6), but this is more than compensated by the energy and inspiration in the other songs. Guitarist Jan Dumee brings a fresh Brazilian breeze in the band, and it enhances the music and gives it a fresh appearance. Energetic and contemplative, fast and slow, aggressive and peaceful, seriousness and humor, you will find it all on this album. I recommend it highly to anyone interested in listening to good music that moves the spirit.