THE LEAST WE CAN DO IS WAVE TO EACH OTHER

I never had this album on LP. In fact, I didn't hear it until just a few years ago when I found a used copy of the CD. I have a feeling that I wouldn't have appreciated it as much back in the seventies. Now, I rather like it.

The album is the first of the classic VDGG releases. It shows the band just getting into the style they have become known for.

The first two tracks, Darkness (11/11) and Refugees are good prog pieces , but neither shows much of the brashness of Peter Hammill and the group. It's on White Hammer and Whatever Would Robert Have Said?, where they begin to experiment with some explosive sections and wild solos.

Out Of My Book, the only track not solely written by Hammill (it was co-written by David Jackson), is so pastoral, it almost seems out of place.

After The Flood is the gem of the album. It almost sounds heavy enough to be on the next album, the great "H To He".

I'd give this one 3.5 stars, rounded up.