PAWN HEARTS

What can I say for Pawn Hearts? It is mind-blowing, one way or another! Many people find Van Der Graaf's records irritating, confusing and mad, but come on! That is the special flavor of this band, and it is over the edge in this one. Each and every song is filled with the pure essence of this band, from the classical sax's play of Jackson to the insane voice of Hammill.

Pros: +Lemmings: I cannot say this is beautiful, yet it is exciting and enjoyable. +Man-Erg: another crazy voyage from the mellow to the crazy and back and forth... +A Plague...: a real reference to prog!

Cons: -Wierd (I have to say it). -Takes a lot of listens to get into it.

Veredict: although this one stays a little short for me compared to my favorite VDGG album, "H To He, Who Am The Only One", I simply cannot give "Pawn Hearts" anything less than 5 stars, it is a complete masterpiece, a prog rock reference and 3 songs that stay in your mind a long, long time, cheers! It isn't the correct album to start, but every VDGG album from "The Least We Can Do..." to "World Record" are worth to be checked.