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VDGG > Trisector

Virgin, March 2008

The Hurlyburly

Interference Patterns

The Final Reel

Lifetime

Drop Dead

Only In A Whisper

All That Before

Over The Hill

(We Are) Not Here

songs Banton, Evans, Hammill

registered 2 to 13 July 2007 to gaia Center, Delabole, Kernow by:

Hugh Banton: organ, bass

Guy Evans: drums, percussion

Peter Hammill: vocals, guitars, piano

In midst of the glories of the reunion of the band, with an excellent record and a great live show, falls like a bolt from the blue the news of the abandonment of saxophonist David Jackson (or more likely his dismissal). There has never been an official communication of the reasons for separation, but are likely to be related to the limited availability of Jackson to a full-time commitment with the group. To prevent it represented a danger to the integrity of VDGG "Mark III", Hammill Jackson preferred to leave entirely out of the project. A decision of character, but not easy, because not only Jaxon is a saxophonist of great charm, but its contribution to the band's sound is crucial as the voice of Peter, and often the intervention of the notes of the saxophone is an exciting hook the viewer's attention in the edgy sound and difficult for the band.

However, the three surviving members pledged to rewrite the arrangements of parts so you can do without the sax, and started on the road to test the new sound (witnessed by Live at the Paradise, recorded in April, but published only a year later).

In July, they entered the studio with material written for a trio, in which the majority was given to keyboards, piano and organ. Although the songs are typically the Hammill, appears the signature of three members, to witness the collective effort of the arrangements and perhaps even to reward loyal players. The sound is still brilliant, but there is a lack of sax, and often one gets the impression of Facing one of Hammill's recent solo albums rather than the new album from Van Der Graaf Generator. Beautiful instrumental that introduces the album, The Hurlyburly , and beautiful ideas all over the place between the songs. An elegant disc. Enough to satisfy the thirst for music of the great English band. Not enough for the appetites of Virgin Records, after having resurrected the Charisma label's catalog to reprint VDGG and PH, the group will dissolve the contract.

tracks included in the live show: All That Before

Board for purchase: a good album to complete the collection of VDGG

rating del recensore: ★★★