HAMBURGER CONCERTO

An exceedingly haunting album by Focus. Although "Focus III" is my personal favourite from the Dutch virtuosos, I think that this album is their best in the way of composition and discipline. There are many high points on the album, such as the second track "Harem Scarem" (the aptly named twin of "Hocus Pocus") which is one of the few truly rocky moments on the album. The following track "La Cathedrale De Strasbourg" is my favourite of the album (bar the 20 minute album titles epic) and offers a delicious blend of classical and jazz influences from top to tail. "Hamburger Concerto" itself is the bell of the ball, with excellent musicianship all round (even the bass is very good), hindered only by the infamous plague which is Thijs Van Leer's ridiculous vocals. The final track "Early Birth" is an excellent album closer, which has a feel similar to that of "Anonymous" from their first album. All and all a great album, hindered only by a few bad decisions. 4 stars.