A GROUNDING IN NUMBERS

I've been putting off listening to this album for weeks simply because I was afraid I wouldn't like it. I had heard about the shorter tracks and that Jackson wouldn't be participating again.When your a big fan of a band of course your wanting to like what they create but when you know it's going to be different it's hard not to be a little gun shy. Well after many listens I guess the bottom line is that I have mixed feelings. Unfortunately I don't love it but I do really enjoy some of what they've done here. It almost comes across as a solo Hammill record at times. So yes it's different from past VDGG releases but it still has their DNA all over it.

"Your Time Starts Now" is possibly a top three track for me. It's laid back to start as reserved vocals join in. It's quite moving at times with some excellent lyrics. "Mathematics" sounds good each time the tempo picks up in contrast to the relaxed soundscapes. Some floating organ in this one. Probably my least favourite song though. "Highly Strung" is the first track with some energy as the drums and guitar lead and the vocals are more passionate.The drumming sounds great. Organ runs after 2 minutes.

"Red Baron" features drums and atmosphere and is a melancholic instrumental. I like it ! "Bunsho" opens with vocals and a relaxed sound. Guitar and a fuller sound comes in around 2 minutes. So good. It becomes intense and emotional.This is a top three track for me. "Snake Oil" sounds cool with those deliberate sounding vocals. It calms right down around 2 minutes but not for long.

"Splink" is a dissonant but laid back instrumental. "Embarrassing Kid" has some bombast to it. It picks up before 3 minutes to end it. "Medusa" has a dark mood and it's a definite highlight.

"Mr. Sands" is a top three. Instrumentally this sounds really good. Gotta love the organ work too. "Smoke" has a catchy beat with vocals. A real toe tapper. "5533" is intricate and punchy as the vocals join in. "All Over The Place" has some harpsichord in it.This is a pretty good closer especially the instrumental section to end it.

Well I prefer this to "Trisector" but not nearly as much as "Present". 3.5 stars.