FOXTROT

A really good piece of symphonic prog. Though I think all lovers of classic 70's prog should hear this one, it doesn't achieve the masterpiece status many think it does. I'd be happy if this album would stay as a point of reference, a band in blossom, before Genesis' true masterpieces: SEBTP and TLLDOB.

The beginning is known by now: 90 seconds of hollow mellotron chords, which don't particularly move me, but the dramatic build-up of the rhythm section is great. My favorite from Foxtrot, with a great vocal melody and delivery, Watcher of the Skies is a joyful way to start the album. Phil is executing a rather tricky drum pattern throughout and Tony is creating nice soundscapes to make it sound really beautiful. Still Peter leads the group in this piece, a true succes! Time Table is easily the weakest link. It has a safe feeling to it and to me sounds really bland! I can't connect with the lyrics at all, and dare I even say the song seems like filler... Now it's not like there's anything wrong with it, except no risks are taken. This leaves only the piano and voice to carry the song, but it's nothing of interest. Get 'em Out By Friday's my second favorite. This is one of those you have to listen to a dozen times before you even begin to realize all the things you're hearing. A nice storyline and great storytelling within the music! There's also incredible performances from all the members, and the song is basicly a proggers wet dream. One of Peter's early and most succesful experiments with characters. The next track isn't as good, though it's fine too. I like the first half quite a lot, but the keyboards that dominate the second half aren't to my liking. Hence the song feels uneven, which is a shame because there's some really great parts hidden in it. Unevenness (I think that's a word) is a theme that runs through the album, actually, most notable in you-know-where. Hackett's Horizons is like a newborn puppy: simply adorable but so small. One of my favorite parts on Foxtrot, but it doesn't change the overall rating much. Still a near five-star piece as it is...

Supper's Ready: the monster epic in seven movements! Or... seven songs rolled into one? Either way, it's pretty impressive! The way the track is built for me is quite bizarre, but the parts are really strong. But there's a danger when you make a song by using this technique: all it takes is one part you don't like to break the rhythm! Apocalypse in 9/8 was the part that I didn't go for, and a masterwork became a flawed masterwork. A really good piece of symphonic prog. 3,5 stars.