A GROUNDING IN NUMBERS

The question is "what do you expect from van der graaf in 2011??"...to rediscover prog rock?...maybe a new masterpiece like pawn hearts? if the answer is yes , then don't bother with this album. If you simply expect a good album that neither adds nor removes anything from the history of this band then you're welcome!! So , the duration of the songs is shorter (the longest song approaches 7 minutes) There isn't any epic! (is it really necessary??) , the production of hugh pudgham is simple (that doesn't mean it's bad) as it must be for the sound of this band and in a vintage way with not so many overdubs (except maybe from the vocals) as usual in all the latest productions worlwide. There is not even one bad song in this record but i think the best moments are Bunsho , Snake oil , Medusa/Mr.sands and All over the place. It would be a mistake if we tried to compare this with the older stuff of V.D.G.G. I think we can only compare this with the reunion albums. It is surely better than "present" and very close but a little step lower (in my opinion) from "trisector".Hugh Banton has made an excellent work with his keyboards and bass pedals filling Jackson's absence but it's obvious that if David was still in the line-up , the arrangements would be much more interesting! Conclusion: for the V.D.G.G fans this is a must!! For someone who has not get in touch with any of the band's previous works , it is not a bad choice but deffinately not their best album. I'm a fan of this band and this is exactly what i was expected to hear from them in 2011...and (as always) i enjoyed !!