FOCUS II [AKA: MOVING WAVES]

Focus is probably the most loved Dutch progressive rockband from the seventies (though one shouldn't skip on Kayak, Alquin, Supersister and Finch). On their second album the band had fully formed its progressive rock sound that had many pillars to stand on. Thijs van Leer (organ and flute) was classically trained and got interested in jazz and rock. He had also written songs for stand-up comedians in the Netherlands and his own theatrics became a recognizable feature, most notably the yodeling on heavy rock opener 'Hocus Pocus'. Jan Akkerman (electric and acoustic guitar) was trained as both a pop and jazz musician and played medieval-style lute as well. Pierre van der Linden (on drums) could simply play anything he though of. Whilst the debut album was quite easy-going and had some jazzy and folky songs on it (sung by Van Leer), their second album would be more focused on what Thijs van Leer set out to do: play well composed instrumental rock music with both classical and jazz influences. The first side is quite varied, going from heavy rock to classical and piano-ballad to instrumental jazz-rock. On the second side the band presents is magnum opus; 'Eruption'. A twenty-three minute song that combines all influences in an magical and energetic fashion. The 'Tommy' part, written by Berlage (of Solution) stands out as a remarkable moment for both van Leer and Akkerman on lead guitar. The many melodic parts are all moving, though I must admit the epic doesn't impress with its coherence. Still, a masterpiece of Dutch progressive rock for sure.