A GROUNDING IN NUMBERS

"A Grounding In Numbers" is the 11th full-length studio album by UK progressive rock act Van Der Graaf Generator. The album was released in March 2011 by Esoteric Records. This is the second album as a trio after David Jackson (saxophone, winds) left in late 2005. "Trisector (2008)" probably challenged a few fans and "A Grounding In Numbers" pretty much continue down the same path albeit with even shorter and more accessible tracks than was the case on "Trisector".

The tracks on "A Grounding In Numbers" are as on the last album centered around the dramatic, paatos filled vocals and distinct voice of Peter Hammill, the jazz/ rock influenced rolling drumming by Guy Evans and the dark organ playing by Hugh Banton. The latter also controls bass pedals and bass. Peter Hammill adds guitars and keyboards to the mix too. There is a good mix of calm and more energetic tracks. Some of the latter display the almost schizophrenic side of Peter Hammill while the former display his dark emotional side. There are some truly haunting and beautiful moments on the album but also some moments that leave me a bit indifferent.

The tracks are generally very well written and consistent in quality, but few stand out as being really excellent in my book. I could have done without the short ambient instrumentals too. Filler material to these ears. Still a 3.5 star rating is deserved.

I´m not sure I find Van Der Graaf Generator as relevant as they used to be, but they still release pretty good quality albums that is worth a purchase. They certainly deserve respect for having a distinct sound and for never compromising to achieve something as sordid as commercial success. Van Der Graaf Generator are old fashioned artists in that respect. The kind that starve in the attic, yet paint the most beautiful everlasting art. In the case of "A Grounding In Numbers" we´re probably not talking the most everlasting art, but as mentioned I think it´s a solid release.