FOCUS 9 / NEW SKIN

The Dutch band Focus, led by keyboardist/flutist Thijs van Leer, has been steadily releasing albums since 2002. Their blend of classical infused jazz-rock / symphonic progressive music from the classic period of 1970-1976 is of course where the band is most known for. Accompanied with the drummer of the original line-up, Pierre van der Linden (one of the best from the Netherlands) and some amazing new guitarists (Niels van der Steenhoven plays on this album) the band has remained one of the better prog live-acts in the Netherlands. The new albums are however a bit of a hit and miss; well composed and performed, but missing the power and electrified playing of their seventies output. Had an album like 'Focus 9' been cut to a 45 minutes record (it is 68 minutes long) it would have actually deserved a four star rating, but now the mediocre parts are just to much of an interruption. The good thing about this record is that it does actually sound like the band Focus we know and love. The instrumental pieces now have an adult melodic flavor to them, while the musical playfulness of Van Leer is still present. I think it is a good thing Focus X (ten) would focus more on the rockin' side of the band.