FOCUS II [AKA: MOVING WAVES]

Moving Waves was a seminal album that I only knew it four years after the release year. I was at Bali Island with friends. In our leisure time we browse around Denpasar to find good quality music in cassette format and I purchased this album along with other bands like Pink Floyd, Genesis, ELP. At first spin of the cassette I was automatically hooked to the opening track Hocus Pocus which to me sounded very differently from any typical Focus album or, in fact, other rock bands. The track describes great energy and varied styles which change from one segment to another. The guitar and drums are really the cornerstone of this track. But, it's not only that, because when there is vocal (chanting, actually) without lyrics whereby the singing style is very distinctive that no one had ever done it before. Decades later I knew this track was used also by CNN in of their news program.

Through this second album Focus confirmed their music style and textures having relied more on the instrumental work using guitar, keyboard and dynamic drumming. Of course, the classical music influences are here and there and they are quite intense in influences from classical music. Focus II was intended as icon of the album but unfortunately it's not that solid in composition. The key, in addition to Hocus Pocus, is an epic that consumes 23 minutes of duration: Eruption. This epic at the beginning part showcases excellent work of guitar and drumming throughout musical segments this epic offers. Even though the epic lacks catchy melody, the composition is quite solid.

Overall, it's an excellent addition to any prog music collection. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW