H TO HE, WHO AM THE ONLY ONE

Van Der Graaf Generator's 3rd album is continuation of direction taken on previous release. We got almost same proportions of peaceful parts and furious variations on both albums. However I think this release is slightly better than previous one. First track Killer sounds like classic rock song ripped by crazy progressions of Banton and Jackson. In fact it wasn't a new song back then cos it was written in 1968. It reminds me a bit Genesis from Trespass. House With No Doors is peaceful and quiet, same as Refugees of 'Least' but it's not so melodic. And listen closely to vocal parts. Vocals are recorded on completely different level if compared with other songs. I wonder why they did that but if turn off the balance you won't hear vocals at all. Strange thing. The third track is Emperor. It's very interesting piece where we can hear something that later took impressive progress and became songs like Scorched Earth or LaRossa. Escpecially LaRossa. But if we talk about LaRossa I think this song wouldn't be written if not Lost, fourth track on 'H to He'. Partly peaceful, partly anxious and restless. I think Dave Jackson did great job on that. It's definitely one of the best VDGG songs but same good if not better is Pioneers Over C. This 13 minutes long epic ain't a horroshow like The Sleepwalkers on Godbluff but it's amazing how the band wanted to show all their skills in this one piece. It's everything in it. Quiet parts, melodic parts, psychedelic parts, crazy sax variations, interesting keyboard parts. Who knows, maybe Dave Jackson was the best musician in VDGG of course if we don't count Hammill who's voice is like an instrument. Lyrical side of that last song is also very interesing. It's about travelling with more speed than speed of light. In icy cold space. Chilling. This song is simply crazy and this is one of the songs you have to hear before you die. This album isn't maybe the best VDGG release but still very important and very good album. Great addition to any prog rock music collection.