ACQUIRING THE TASTE

The band does not make any trade-off in creating another ultra-complex, non-commercial output that few other bands could match. Using no conventional song format and also not relying on loose jamming, crafting music filled with so many ideas is a very daunting task. Nevertheless, I still thing that this one is more memorable mainly thanks to the developed classical music inspired singing that has become GG's trademark. The first composition is already a masterpiece (primary falsetto vocal reminding of Focus), great elegant chord sequences. The second track is not that distinctive but what an achievement on the King Crimson heavy-like "The house, the street, the room". The chorus is excellent with great riffing and then mellow keyboard/vocal led movement. "Wreck" is another distinctive number with folk main motive and Renaissance thanks to intelligent harpsichord and flute intermezzos. The soaring guitar complements the emotional track. "The moon is down" is notable for its keyboard-heavy footprint be it elegant or playful. Gentle Giant were in lead in 1971 when it comes to compositional complexity. While other progressive rock bands may have had better playing abilities or create more symphonic pieces, GG were the most elaborate and dense.