THE SILENT CORNER AND THE EMPTY STAGE

This was the first PH solo album I obtained. I must confess that it was several years after obtaining most of the VDGG back catalogue that I decided to chance one of his albums. I have always found the 'solo' careers more of an inferior sideline. Mr Hammill's career is a big exception to my rule!

As soon as the first track played, I knew I was onto a winner. There was still a lot of the VDGG elements: Anger, lightness, darkness and power. Probably due to the fact that all members backed on certain tracks. However, it maintains enough personal aspects to give a solo feel on the record. Indeed if did come out as a VDGG credit, it could be critisised as being self-indulgent on Hammill's part!

One the whole, this LP is brilliant from start to finish. So emotional in so many different ways. Stand out tracks include the doomy opener: Modern, The Lie with its theatrical and huge, spine tingling piano sound and Red Shift with the reverbed, feedback ladened vocals. This track features SPIRIT's Randy California on guitar. I did mistake this for Robert Fripp until I read the credits, very much in his style. Not a weak track to be found on this one, highly recommended. Wouldn't like to say if it's his best, as I've yet to obtain them all, but easily the one to start with.