H TO HE, WHO AM THE ONLY ONE

This is probably my favorite Van Der Graaf Generator's album so far! Well, this record is globally more melodic and catchy than the other next ones including Pawn Hearts itself: it remains very progressive all the same, despite many tracks are less complex compositions. There are less experimental parts that often use to go nowhere with VDGG: I notice a better overall structure. I automatically make a connection with the second album Divergence of the progressive band Solution: the same punchy and bottom bass, the weird sax parts that sound alike, the typical catchy and not complex piano, the very similar drums and the almost identical dirty organ in the background. I also find that Hammill's voice is often more in the background, so that it is more bearable. I must admit that many of the miscellaneous lead & backing vocals are more pleasant, varied and better arranged than usual. There are excellent mellow flute parts, like on the "Emperor in his war-room" track. "Lost" has a couples of interesting faster structured parts, which contrast with the usual slow rhythm of VDGG. The very progressive "Pioneers over C" is sometimes surprisingly good and sometimes too weird for nothing, flirting with minimalism and dissonance: that's why it is probably my least favorite track on this record.

Rating: 3.5 stars