3

Focus is a band I really love. Some of the reason for my love is this album. Well, most of it.

Focus does intricate, very quirky and melodic symphonic prog with a lot of interesting rhythm patterns and flutes. Everything with a lot of humour and some gentle nods to Ian Anderson & Jethro Tull. Focus can also be a very poetic band with a lot of very melodic flutes and guitars. I am fan of both sides of Focus and I rate them as one of the best prog rock bands ever.

The opening track Round goes the gossip is one of the trademark fast and quirky Focus tracks. Good stuff, but I am more a fan of the poetic side of this band. The very beautiful flute driven Love Remembered is followed by their second ever biggest hit Sylvia. This is a fantastic track. It is also Focus signature track. Well, they are most famous for Hocus Pocus from the Moving Waves album. But Sylvia incorporates everything that's great with this band. Poetic music lines and quirky fast melody at the same time. Fantastic stuff. Carnival fugue follows and the album now takes a sharp left turn into a much more classical music and symphonic prog area. I am not a big fan of Anonymous which I think is too long winded and lack some ideas. The rest of the album is great though with House Of The Kings as a highlight.

This is one of Focus best albums, just bettered by Hamburger Concertos which I think is their best ever album (and among the top five best ever prog rock albums ever released). This album is still an excellent addition to any homes and highly recommended.

4.5 stars