THE LEAST WE CAN DO IS WAVE TO EACH OTHER

How can this absolute masterpiece of progressive rock have a rating less than four stars? Today on the site I see an unbelievable scores of 3.92 and still can not believe it.

"The Least" is part of a triptych of unforgettable masterpieces, together with the following "H to He" and "Pawn Hearts" is the band's creative peak. Also, in my humble opinion, perhaps even the best of three.

It is difficult to describe the style of this amazing record. If you have not ever listened to this album, considered that the tone is similar to that of "Nursery Cryme" of Genesis, with the same muffled sound, and the romantic tunes that only a few prog bands were able to convey. Unlike the masterpiece of Genesis, however, there is no space for dreamy mellotron: here we have the terrifying sounds of Farfisa organ, which gives a VDGG typical gothic atmosphere; in addition, there is less space for guitar, and an innovative use of wind instruments by the newcomer David Jackson, the value added compared to the original lineup. Hammill is already an extraordinary singer, maybe the best in all england prog scene of '70s.

The songs are all exceptional, no weak points here. A special mention for Refugees poignant song dedicated to the friends of Peter adolescence, with an incredible use of winds instruments by Jackson, and for the final and apocalyptic After The Flood, in which Hammill shows its versatility through with ease acoustic moments from other more aggressive. The opener Darkness and the paranoid White Hammer, which goes back to the times of the Inquisition, are two outstanding tracks, as Whatever Would Robert Have Said?, shorter but incisive, and with a masterly interpretation by Hammill. Out Of My Book is more relaxing, with great use of winds again.

In my opinion, one of the ten/twelwe best prog album ever. Incredibly underrated and no more to say.

Absolutely high rated: 10/10.

Best song: Refugees

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