FOCUS PLAYS FOCUS [AKA: IN AND OUT OF FOCUS]

This is a solid debut album by the young (as of 1970) Dutch lads. Half of it is filled with progressive attempts (2 tracks) and the rest could be classified as psychedelic pop/rock. While playing is fine, when not too restrained on the vocal tracks, it is the compositional skillset that strikes me most. The band has certainly heard one or two classical works before but they aim at creating their own sound. Of the poppier, tracks I like the melancholic "Why dream" that one could assume to have come our of UK in the late 60's. "House of the king" draws comparisons to Jethro tull by its folky melody and flute playing. "Anonymous" is the first version of the severally reincarnated track, here in its raw rock version. If you've heard the later versions like me, then you most likely also prefer those. "Focus" starts a series of traditionally smart instrumental tracks, however here it has a jam-like nature after the four strong minutes.