Van Der Graaf Generator: Do Not Disturb

Do Not Disturb marks the fifth release from British prog heavyweights Van Der Graaf Generator since their reunion in 2005, and fourth as the trio of Peter Hammill, Hugh Banton, and Guy Evans following the departure of sax/flute legend David Jackson. Now, I've stated on a few occasions that the absence of Jackson on the last few VDGG albums has left a bit of an hole in the bands sound, but they've done a good job here on Do Not Disturb to alleviate that issue, with Banton taking more of a pronounced role with his sumptuous organ tones as well as the occasional accordion & Glockenspiel passage. Consisting of nine mostly lengthy tracks, the album dips back into some of the glory years of the band, the songs leaving more room for the trio to stretch out a bit with some daring instrumental passages and elements of their trademark menace. Rumors that Do Not Disturb might be the bands last recording doesn't hinder the fact that it's easily one of their strongest releases since the reunion, and if they are to go out with a bang, this will fit the bill just fine.

The opening 1-2 salvo of "Aloft" and "Alfa Berlina" instantly recall some of the groups early output from the '70s, Hammill's still strong (and quite unique) vocals wafting around Banton's luxurious organ and Evan's solid drumming, the leader even throwing in some tasty guitar riffs where appropriate to provide some extra muscle. His majestic piano pairs up with Banton's accordion to kick off the dramatic "Room 1210" before the guitars, electric piano, and drums kicks things up a notch for some fiery prog rock, and the hard rocking "Forever Falling" recalls some of Hammill's early '80s solo releases as well as King Crimson from that same time period with its tricky mid section. Hammill's crunchy guitar riffs permeate "(Oh No! I Must Have Said) Yes", a snarling, savage rocker that is easily one of the heaviest things this band has ever done, Peter's vocals more than keeping up with the fuzz toned guitar crunch with plenty of aggression. The majestic "Brought to Book" follows, filled with jazz as well as classic prog flavors, Evans' nimble drum fills weaving around Banton's husky organ flourishes and Hammill's gorgeous piano. Closing with the atmospheric "Go", the band goes out on a dreamy note, as somber organ cascades down around Hammill's emotional vocals that seemingly are saying goodbye to the listener.

Time will tell whether Do Not Disturb will be an actual farewell to the fans, but if so, Van Der Graaf Generator have gone out on a high note. Easily a prog highlight here in 2016, this album also stacks up quite well against many of their previously recorded classics. Do not miss this one folks!

See more about this release on our recent YouTube show!

Track Listing
1) Aloft
2) Alfa Berlina
3) Room 1210
4) Forever Falling
5) Shikata Ga Nai
6) (Oh No! I Must Have Said) Yes
7) Brought to Book
8) Almost the Words
9) Go

Added: January 14th 2017
Reviewer: Pete Pardo
Score:
Related Link: Band Facebook Page
Hits: 2229
Language: english

[ Printer Friendly Page ]
[ Send to a Friend ]