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Van Der Graaf Generator - A Grounding In Numbers CD (album) cover

A GROUNDING IN NUMBERS

Van Der Graaf Generator

 

Eclectic Prog

3.48 | 530 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

freshlet
5 stars I just purchased the new Van Der Graaf Generator CD, "A Grounding in Numbers", and I am extremely knocked out by what this band has accomplished on this CD.

First of all, Peter Hammill, Hugh Banton and Guy Evans have completely outdone themselves with the music and lyrics. VDGG have reinvented their musical style while at the same time managed to update their classic sound.

The music is well-based in Progressive, yet there is such an incredible amount of energy and jamming that you wonder what group you are listening to.

"Mathematics" deals with the odd analogies of numbers and how closely they resemble human relationships. How Mr. Hammil came up with this idea is truly brilliant!

The band plays so creatively on every single track of this CD, with fascinating between-song ambience that only VDGG could create. Hugh has taken it upon himself to cover many different sounds, and he has redefined his keyboard mastery with new sounds that help the songs with flute/sax samples it sounds like. As fine a musician as David Jackson was, this version of VDGG has used the loss of Mr. Jackson by building in space and different tempo changes that move the music in fascinating ways!

"5533", "Mr. Sands", "Medusa", "Embarrassing Kid" and "Bundho" are songs that simply are beyond description. No longer does VDGG play long suites such as "A Plague Of The Lighthouse Keepers". They have learned to distill the absolute essence of their muse within 3-5 minute songs. Nothing is missed though. The most amazing thing that I noticed is how Peter's guitar work, along with Hugh and Guy's exemplary playing has lifted this unique band into the 21st century effortlessly.

It makes me so happy to hear this new material and to see VDGG continue to grow and create some of the most beautiful, challenging and rewarding music ever released. Do not miss the oppotunity to buy this CD! It is a "classic" from start to finish!!

Freshlet

freshlet | 5/5 |

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