THE POWER AND THE GLORY

Probably their densest album, and a further step forward from 'In a Glass House' a year earlier. This one has more of a tense and claustophobic mood than any other Giant release and explores more avant-garde terretories in addition to the band's trademark multi-layered and complex compositions. There's a underlying beautiness throughout the whole album though with the gentle "Aspirations" really breaking the ice here. Other tracks are often more intense but very dynamic, like the hectic "Cogs in Cogs" which recalls "The Boys in the Band" from 'Octopus" in certain ways, and of course the staggering opening track that really sets the mood for the rest of the album. I don't even bother to go in details with the playing here ? it's peerless!

This is really thinking man's music and perhaps the most rewarding Gentle Giant album in the end. The compositions are dense and difficult but the album never entangle itself up (GG where masters at this technique). This ranks among 'Octopus' as my favorite GG and it might be yours as well, just give it some time.