PAWN HEARTS

Van Der Graaf Generator is a bit of a touchy subject. On the one hand, they're an incredibly influential band and if there were a prog award given out for most original sound, they'd be a strong contender. That, combined with their complex, dark, and cerebral soundscapes, makes it very easy to see why they've achieved the cult following they have. On the other hand, this band that has a lot going for it in theory happens to have the most marmite-like, controversial vocalist on the planet, Peter Hammill. For some, Pete's vocal work can strike their ears and permeate into the deepest reaches of their souls, conjuring emotions that they didn't even know could be felt, let alone articulated. For others, Hammill's vocals strike the ear in much the same manner as a cheese grater.

So, like I said, Van Der Graaf Generator is a love it or hate it type of band and "Pawn Hearts" is probably the most extreme example of Graafian excess. Peter takes centre stage, giving little room for the rest of the band, a competent bunch of musicians, to carry out any extended instrumental passages, which would be a welcome respite on this record. Hammill, on the other hand, gives himself plenty of liberty to go off on tangents, often far, far longer than I'm comfortable with. Perhaps I'm being a little harsh (not that you couldn't say the same of Hamill!), because Peter Hammill's voice truly is an acquired taste for most. This certainly isn't an instant gratification type of band, and it will almost certainly take a strong commitment to visit and revisit this work before you can truly revel in its intricacies. So if you've listened to other Van der Graaf Generator works and really enjoy them, then I'd strongly recommend picking this one up as soon as you can, because it satisfies just about every niche that Van der Graaf fans may be looking for. But for the greenhorns? Stay away.

So while I concede that this album is a well-crafted and significant piece of prog, I can't bring myself to consider it essential on the basis that it's just too controversial. As an aside, I leave a word of advice for new listeners: it wouldn't do the band any justice to use this as the starting point of their discography, even if it is one of their most highly rated albums. Instead, try for "Still Life" or "H To He..." as more suitable gateway albums. All things considered, I'll give "Pawn Hearts" 3 stars. Very good, but certainly not essential.