VERACIOUS (WITH STUART GORDON)

After getting the entire Van der Graaf (Generator) discography, I felt ready to tackle Peter Hammill's solo albums. Veracious is the third solo album I own, the other two being "Fool's Mate" and "In Camera".

At first, I felt a utterly disappointed by this album. It's stripped-down and raw sound was OK during the first two or three songs, but it was harder to endure with each song. I know very well not to compare his solo efforts with his VdGG material, but unwillingly, you do compare it. Most people do, I guess. What I missed most here were the drums. This album only features Peter on vocals, piano and guitar and Stuart Gordon on violin.

Somehow, I forced myself to repeated listenings of the album, and the good news is that the album grows on you. I've come to the point where I really appreciate the raw, but always passionate things presented here. Peter Hammill never tries to sound pretty, but I already knew that ("Vital", anyone?). Stuart Gordon's violin fits the music perfectly: used only when necessary and it never gets in the way of things. The vocal performance of Peter Hammill is impeccable, as is his piano playing. The guitar playing is OK as well. Nothing spectacular, but this record is all about intensity, not virtuosity.

Not being familiar with the original studio recordings, I cannot compare them with these live performances, but I can say it's an album I've truly learned to enjoy. A recommended purchase!