ACQUIRING THE TASTE

This sophomore effort from the band finds them trying some new things, stepping out more.

The first song "Pantagruel's Nativity" is a gorgeous track with mellotron and vocals within the first minute. Some beautiful sax and trumpet in this one. Pretty good guitar solo too after 2 minutes that has an edge to it. Love the vocal harmonies that follow. A vibes solo 3 1/2 minutes in followed by a good guitar solo.Themes are repeated. Just a priviledge to listen to this melancholic song. "Edge Of Twilight" is a dark and restrained song in every way. "The House, The Street, The Room" gets quite heavy with organ, bass and drums, and the guitar is fantastic. And as usual with GENTLE GIANT the vocal harmonies are stunning. I like when it turns pastoral then after 2 1/2 minutes the guitar and organ come in ripping it up. Killer section. Great tune !

"Acquiring The Taste" is a short and pastoral instrumental. I really like "Wreck" as it's all about the vocals and mellotron. A deep heavy sound to open before those vocals join in. Flute and a lighter sound after 3 minutes then mellotron and guitar take over. More mellotron on "The Moon Is Down". A mellow intro as vocals come in. I really like the instrumental section that comes in when the vocals stop. It settles again before 4 minutes as vocals return. "Black Cat" is both jazzy and catchy.The violin is a nice touch. Cool song. "Plain Truth" opens with violin as spoken words come in ordering some food of all things. It then kicks in with vocals.The violin shines on this track.

This is a real solid release, certainly no sophomore jinx here. Favourite song for me is "Pantagruel's Nativity".