PAWN HEARTS

The almost obsessive exploration of the twists and turns of the human mind are the driving force that propels VDGG into dark alleys that seem to have no way out. The storm clouds hang over the heads of the troubled characters that travel through tortuous introspective paths, and "Pawn Hearts", the band's fourth album, reflects this with a stark and painful lucidity.

Three tracks were enough: the hysterical "Lemmings (including Cog)" and its disconcerting ending; "Man-Erg", a beautiful melody in its purest state, which after a few harmonic initial minutes, ends up yielding to the schizoid rampage; and, above all, "A Plague of Lighthouse Keepers", the extensive suite that unfolds in a constant instrumental transition between the disturbing (effects like those of "Pictures/Lighthouse" are truly chilling) and the sublime (the weary calm of "(Custard's) Last Stand"), recreating an unsurpassable scenario for the reflections of the conflicted lighthouse keeper on the miseries of his lonely and maddening work in front of the sea. Undoubtedly, one of the best pieces of the band's discography.

Under the leadership of a Peter Hammill in a state of grace, the sound spectrum of the album is enriched by the addition of synthesizers to Hugh Banton's keyboards, symbiotically complemented by the avant-garde saxophone of David Jackson and the jazzy drums of Guy Evans, much more active for the occasion.

The remastered 2005 edition includes the interesting "W", and 3 discarded instrumental tracks from the failed double album project. Small fragments of "Diminutions" can be rescued, and not much else.

"Pawn Hearts", which paradoxically did not have much repercussion when it was released, today and for quite some time has secured a place among the greatest progressive rock productions of all times.

Superlative.

4/4.5 stars