X

They were underway touring Europe and I took the chance to see them in Hannover one year ago - an excellent gig by the way. However, I must admit I was surprised definitely when I heard the first announcement - a new album since 6 years on hold. Alongside with founding member Thijs van Leer on Hammond organ and flute, drummer Pierre van Der Linden is aboard, another early member who entered the band for the second album 'Moving Waves', where they finally really got started. Of course nobody can totally substitute Jan Akkerman on the guitar actually, but Menno Gootjes acts very close.

I know them since the 1970s and for me it's obvious that the opening song Father Bachus starts Hocus Pocus reminiscent in some way, with intent, right? That means, even if I would not know which album I'm listening to ... assuming that ... the FOCUS reference becomes immediately clear though. So overall this effort is made of songs with a familiar blend of symphonic and jazz rock elements, this time again with the strong emphasis on the latter for sure. Okay, let me point out the outstanding Victoria then, smooth, with piano attendance, a more courageous one featuring alternating moods.

Don't know what terrible story they associate with the instrumental Amok Im Kindergarten - the composition by itself shows a fusion-esque outfit in any case, releaxed but no less than tricky. X Roads is a song I always prefer to hear when dealing with 'X', yet another lively exemplar with strong jazz rock fundament and some solo attempt regarding the rhythm branch. Including several solid though not really thrilling songs 'X' comes not that intense and brilliant considering their early 70's albums, but is definitely worth a listen.