ACQUIRING THE TASTE

GENTLE GIANTS "Acquiring The Taste" was my second record of theirs. The record feels very experimental but at the same time, it sounds like they know exactly what they wanted and they pulled it off flawlessly. One of my favorites by Gentle Giant.

"Pantagruel's Nativity" starts it all off with a creepy intro building up into an acoustic/vocal melody. The falsetto vocals are really nice in my opinion. I really like the electric guitar interludes in this song. One of my favorite tracks on the album. 10/10

"Edge of Twilight" begins with an eerie, "the moon is down". Another creepy oriented song. Classic GENTLE GIANT vocal work. I really like the way they did the snare; it starts off in the left ear and goes through your head, hitting in your right ear. Pretty clever for the 70's.. 10/10

"The House The Street The Room" breaks the pattern a bit, starting off more peppy and louder vocals. Some cool Crimson-esque instrumental improvs, and a ripping guitar solo about halfway through. This is one you just have to experience yourself. 9/10

"Acquiring The Taste" is a short but sweet interlude. Some experimental keyboard work; it's a bit all over the place though..Definitely an 'Acquired Taste'. 6/10

"Wreck" is a more rock oriented GIANT song. I love the warm sounding bass in this song and the "Hey Yeah Yeah, Hold On" vocals. Very unique song. 9/10

"The Moon is Down" is a very mellow, chill song.Another one of my favorites. The vocals are very experimental in the way they are mixed. I really like the instrumental part on this song. Essential GENTLE GIANT song. 10/10

"Black Cat" is extremely catchy. It can get stuck in my head for days and days. Loving the overlapping vocals, which are very reminiscent of "An Inmates Lullaby".

"Plain Truth" kicks off the end of the album with a nice guitar riff that reminds me of something Hendrix would do. Great vocals as usually with beautiful guitar riffs and off sync drumming. A great end to an absolutely masterful album. 10/10

"Acquiring the Taste" is most definitely an acquired taste, but any prog lover should appreciate this album. It's experimental, melodic, creepy, and full of amazing prog moments. Gentle Giant has a very distinct sound, and are beginning to find direction with this album. An essential album.

Overall, 5/5