THE AEROSOL GREY MACHINE

Originally planned as the first Peter Hammill solo album 'The Aerosol Grey Machine' became the false start of Van Der Graaf Generator's celebrated career. And while it hints at the progressive rock that is to come (mainly with 'Octopus'), it delivers mainly a transitional mix of late sixties psychedelic rock, songwriters folk and early metal (listen to 'Into a Game'). These are quite obviously hastily recorded songs in a live in the studio setting. This gives rise to both slightly amateurish performances and a positively lively atmosphere. I myself really like Peter Hammill's early melodic vocals and like on his debut ('A Fool's Mate') he really shines on all the songs here. The atmospheres are quite diverse; from pleasant to fearful. The bleakness of 'The Necromancer' is quite amazing for 1969 rock music standards. The distinct seriousness of the performances are perhaps the main reason this album has not become a household record in the psychedelic rock genre. The band is made up of Hugh Banton (mostly on piano), drummer Guy Evans and bass player Keith Ellis - who introduces thick doomish bass riffs that might just have influenced the upcoming heavy metal genre. Missing then is of course the sax of David Jackson. This album is best enjoyed as a highly interesting and enjoyable early Peter Hammill solo album. Which makes sense, because the second VdGG album does actually sound like a VdGG record.