TRISECTOR

First of all, I would like to give eternal thanks to VDGG's record company for providing a pre-release copy of Trisector to PR's admin team as part of our collaboration with them in respect of the competition currently running.

When VDGG's classic lineup of Hammill, Banton, Evans & Jackson got back together after nearly 30 years, and released the marvellous 'Present', following this release with a string of acclaimed live shows, it seemed as if we had one of the real vanguard bands back with us. However, David Jackson has now left the fold, so Trisector is their first release as a three piece. I freely admit, I approached this album with no small degree of trepidation, as Jackson's sax & flute work was always a keystone of VDGG's sound, but after giving the album a fair few listens now, I have to say any fears were (mostly) unfounded.

I'll not go through a track by track analysis of this album - I'll leave that to more knowledgeable fans of the band; I will, however, highlight what I consider to be real showstopper tracks & a couple I consider that in my opinion don't work quite so well.

So far as high points go, there is plenty of choice here on what is a hugely varied album, from the barking madness of 'Interference Pattern', the slow bluesy growl that is 'The Final Reel' & right up to the epic glory that is 'Over The Hill' (a track which would fit in any dictionary as a definition of 'Progressive Rock' - it's that good) - my only issues are with the two tracks which in my opinion don't really fit here; those being the opening instrumental 'The Hurlyburly' and the ranting 'Drop Dead', neither of which are bad tracks in their own right, but to my mind they're overshadowed by the subleties, nuances & sheer high quality of the other tracks on offer.

With Jackson gone, Trisector has to by necessity focus more on Banton's keyboard work throughout; in this, he never disappoints, his Hammond playing taking front seat to drive the entire album, backed by Peter Hammill's piano & guitar & Guy Evans on drums & percussion. Above the musical treats on this album, we have Peter Hammill's lyrics, which throughout display the sarcasm, scathing wit & cynicism we've come to expect from him within & outside of VDGG over the years. long may he continue.

My only question at the end of this album is - 'is this just a great prog rock album, or is it a great Van Der Graaf Generator album?'

Jury's still out on that one.