Van Der Graaf Generator - A Grounding in Numbers

by Anthony Strutt

published: 1 / 5 / 2011

Van Der Graaf Generator - A Grounding in Numbers

Label: Esoteric Recordings
Format: CD

Excellent combination of late 60's and modern sounds on latest album from prog rock act, Van Der Graaf Generator

Review

It has been three years since thier last album 'Trisector', but the now three piece Van Der Graaf Generator follow it up with 'A Grounding in Numbers', which shows the band embracing their past but also moving forward. 'Your Time Starts Now' is a powerful combination of Procum Harum and 70's Bowie. Peter Hammill's vocal is smooth and relaxing, and well sung and performed. 'Mathematics' sounds like a live theatre track. It pulls you in and gets you involved. 'Highly Strung' was their addition to record store day and, released as a limited 7 inch vinyl only single, has a late 60's feel and also an experimental vocal from Hammill. 'Red Baron' is an instrumental mood piece, while 'Bunsho' is another experimental number and, like much of the album, is an eccentric, but powerful mix of late 60's ideas and modern grooves. 'Snake Oil' is dramatic, entertaining and wacky, and done in a charming perfect way. 'Splink' is a short instrumental jam, while 'Embarrassing Kid' is a somewhat aggressive prog rock number. 'Medusa' is short, but well paced. 'Mr Sands' is a prog based piece of work, with a commanding vocal from Hamill that is backed by light drums. 'Smoke' is funky, but also has an element of prog rock, while '5533' is again oddball, but, very John Peel-flavoured, entertaining as well as experimental. 'All Over the Place' is lush and involves a harpischord, while Peter's vocal shines brightly on it. A fine record from Van Der Graaf Generator.

Track Listing:-

1 Your Time Starts Now
2 Mathematics
3 Highly Strung
4 Red Baron
5 Bunsho
6 Snake Oil
7 Splink
8 Embarrassing Kid
9 Medusa
10 Mr. Sands
11 Smoke
12 5533
13 All Over The Place