DIVERGENCE

With new Bassist/Vocalist Gus Willems replacing Peter Van Der Sande, Solution took a slightly different approach to the follow up to their excellent debut `Solution'. The vocals are more prominent, but the sound of the band overall is consistent with the debut and is again excellently recorded (and at the same studio). There are fuzz organ tones reminiscent of Hugh Banton's work with Van Der Graaf, and some pleasing melodic Flute work from Tom Barlage on the opening track `Second Line', which also reminds the listener of some of David Jackson's less intense work.

Then...a wonderful surprise with the title track `Divergence' which will need no introduction for fans of Focus's landmark `Eruption' suite. Focus liked the piece so much when sharing stages with Solution that they rechristened it `Tommy' after Tom Barlage and recorded their own version. This version uses Sax as its lead instrument and is a wonderful example of the cross fertilization that seemed to be so much a part of the music scene in the golden age.

`Fever' uses a Herbie Mann flute theme as the basis for some breezy improvisation with a sunny disposition, whilst the next piece `Concentration' sees the return of Willems' very capable vocals alongside some dreamy saxophone and mid paced grooving from the band. It seems that Soft Machine's `Third' was required listening for many musicians of the era, and the latter half of the track explodes into a homage to one of the famous 7/4 riffs from that album.

`Theme' sees the soul influences rise to the surface of the melting pot and is never less than pleasing, although it makes for a somewhat anti-climactic finish to the album. On the whole this collection is slightly less impressive than the debut, but nevertheless makes an excellent companion to it. (Three and a half stars)