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Van Der Graaf Generator - The Quiet Zone / The Pleasure Dome CD (album) cover

THE QUIET ZONE / THE PLEASURE DOME

Van Der Graaf Generator

 

Eclectic Prog

3.64 | 772 ratings

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ZowieZiggy
Prog Reviewer
2 stars I am a die-hard fan of the band. In my earlier reviews of the band's catalogue, I rated no less than three stars in their entire carreer so far. As you all know, this is a Van Der Graaf album : some major line-up changes have occured : exit Banton, almost exit Jackson (who WAS VDGG typical sound, here as a guest only) and welcome back Potter (the bass player present on their earlier work "The Least..." and "H To He").

What can we expect here ? The format of the songs have changed. Short ones (for VDGG standard - maybe not for VDG). The opener as well as "The Habit..." are not bad songs but they are not very interesting either. This will be the problem with this album.

Few good songs here and there (I am not talking about highlights). "The Siren Song" is the first one : melancholical, acoustic, deep vocals and nice violin. Somewhat reminiscent of "Pilgrims" at times.

"Last Frame" is more typical for VDGG (thanks heaven Jackson is back, so let's add another G). Still, the powerful and mighty side of the band has evaporated.

I like "The Wave" quite a lot. It has the flavour of a "Still Life" track. Very melodious and tranquil. Unfortunately it is the shortest one of the album...

With "Cat's Eye, Yellow Fever" I have the impression that VDG is trying to produce an ELO song. Not really successfull to say the least. Press forward. Since you have learned how to do it, just press again to skip "The Sphinx In The Face" : probably the weakest track of the album (before it returns. The Sphinx of course for the closing number).

"Chemical World" is OK but nothing more. No unity, weird noises (or are these sounds) ?

It is obvious than Peter is trying to recreate a new VDG sound, but with a different line- up. I can only notice that he rather failed, unfortunately. Globally this is a rather weak album, the magic has gone. At best, for die-hard fans (like I am) only thanks to two or three good numbers.

Two stars.

ZowieZiggy | 2/5 |

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