Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
One of the archetypical Progressive Rock bands and undoubtedly one of the finest to have come from mainland Europe, Focus, have come up trumps again with their brand new album Focus X.
Focus may be described as legendary; however there isn’t a word in existence to express how much they are revered, despite poor critical acclaim on some of their albums in the lean period of their tenure as one of Europe’s most important Prog bands. Since the group was resurrected for the Focus 8 album in 2002, their following has returned and so has the excitement of listening to this genuinely unique and fantastic band.
There is nothing soft about the Dutch kings of Prog, experimental, exceptional and completely matchless in their output and it is a much welcome to hear the band bring all the best elements of their work together for this new recording.
Thijs van Leer, the man who harnessed the initial energy of the group alongside Jan Akkerman, has shown that with the right combination of musicians it is possible for a band’s key signature sound to still sound significant and fresh. Joining Thijs on the new album is Pierre Van der Linden reprising his position as a drummer of outstanding panache, bass player Bobby Jacobs and guitarist Menno Gootjes.
Focus X combines these four great musicians with a sound that can only be described as genius wrapped up in brief insanity bordering upon absolute desirability. In another way, the band is the best that Europe has to offer and one of the few acts that can stand head and shoulder to British Progressive Rock giants of the past and more importantly of the 21st century.
There are moments on this new album that can raise the hairs of the back of the neck as the expectation grows and multiplies from track to track. From the exciting opening of Father Bachus with its hypnotic feel, the album announces itself to its public in some brilliant style. Tracks such as Amok in Kindergarten and the cunningly titled Talk of the Clown will quite simply blow your mind and leave it begging for more.
It may have been six years since Focus’ last album but it was worth waiting every single minute. Focus X is superb return from the Dutch masters.
Focus x is released in November 5th via Eastworld Records and play at The Brindley in Runcorn on November 14th as part of their tour of England.
Ian D. Hall