ACQUIRING THE TASTE

Gentle Giant is, of course, an acquired taste. They are among my favorite bands, though I admit they aren't for everybody. Part-jazz, part-rock, part-folk, part-medieval polyphony, part- renaissance era dance music. An interesting hybrid of music that should not work on any level. Initially it turned me off. But, I stuck with them simply because they were so delightfully weird. They can be a challenging listen, no doubt about it and this album is a testament to that. Pantagruel's Nativity starts the album on a somewhat tranquil note. It's a rather low-key way to begin an album actually. However, this is the best song on the album and it hits on just about each part of the aforementioned hybrid throughout it's nearly seven minute length. Edge of Twilight maintains the tranquil mood, but develops more mysteriously even coming across as rather haunted. Like being in some run down castle in the middle of the night. A little bit spooky. The House, The Street, The Room follows and finally the tranquility has begun to lift. It's an extraordinary track and really shows the band's talents for being able to rock hard when they want to. Acquiring the Taste is weird instrumental interlude before we set sail with the band trying their hand at a sea shanty on Wreck. Gentle Giant is not one to follow convention and thank God for that. With the Moon is Down the tranquil mood returns, not as hauntingly as Edge of Twilight, but spellbinding nonetheless. Definitely one of the best songs on the album. Black Cat & Plain Truth close out the album. The latter is a bit over long and my least favorite song on the album, the former is not bad, tranquil yes, but that is in keeping with the overall theme of an otherwise excellent disk. Essential for Gentle Giant fans and Progheads alike!