Description
Label Review.
2017 album
Our Overview.
Peter Hammill is best known for leading the 1970s group Van Der Graaf Generator who issued a string of progressive albums until they broke up in 1978. Although they only achieved cult success in the UK they were stars in Italy grabbing No.1 singles and getting mobbed in the streets. This surprised the band and led to them disbanding for a couple of years until reforming in 1975. Hammill also ran a solo career alongside the band and his debut solo album ‘Fools Mate’ was issued in 1971. Since then he has recorded and released over 30 albums which his dedicated fanbase laps up.
Peter’s first solo album for three years is an intimate affair. The songs are for the most part based on single piano, guitar and vocal parts, designed for live performance. Indeed, many of these songs have already been performed on stage. Overdubbing is textural - no percussion, supportive guitars, a central spine of bass, synth and string washes; many extra voices - backing, harmony, choral - behind the main one. The characters who pave their fretful way through these songs are in general facing up to or edging in towards twilight. What’s coming to them are moments of realisation rather than resignation. In the third act of life it’s time to look with a clear eye at where one’s been, at where one’s going.