FREE HAND

The last really great and probably the most accessible of Gentle Giants albums, Free Hand proved that the band could write all types of songs. We are treated to excellent instrumentals, advanced vocal numbers, ballads and advanced song structure in general. The album kicks in with some of the catchiest sounds ever heard on a '70s record and that same flow is maintained all the way up to the end.

The composition that really made me feel completely mesmerized was On Reflection. The track is basically Knots pushed even further with some truly spectacular results especially once Kerry Minnear gets a shot in the spotlight. Eventually the band would try to do a similar piece on their next album titled Design but the results are far from the magic that we get here.

Free Hand is simply a masterpiece of an album that should be in every great prog rock music collection. Unfortunately the great album streak that the band had maintained up to this point would eventually go downhill with the later releases. Well, at least Gentle Giant had the decency to disband before the '80s really kicked in and we were spared some possible disasters.

***** star songs: Just The Same (5:34) On Reflection (5:41) Free Hand (6:14) Talybont (2:43)

**** star songs: Time To Kill (5:08) His Last Voyage (6:27) Mobile (5:05)

Total Rating: 4,55

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