Review Summary: focus is better
Focus are a great band, sadly unknown to many, they rocked hard when they were alive. The reason they rocked hard is because they were dutch, and they knew how to play their instruments, hard. Musicianship is perhaps the albums biggest focus, but it's progressive rock so thats to be expected and respected, you dig? Akkerman is a master of his axe, a swordsman he be not. After releasing the excellent Moving Waves record Focus were on a mission to make the best record ever, and they succeed with flying colours. Focus III is a hugely diverse record, the songs range from self indulgent jazz rocking epics to calm and harmonious ditties. Right from the opener Round Goes the Gossip the album is ***ing exceptional. The melodies in this song alone are awe inspiring, in both the rocking verses and vocal breaks. The crisp production only adds to the perfection, helping every fantastically played instrument shine through. Sylvia is a real rocker, the lead guitar perfectly compliments the rhythm section, and is reminiscent of bands like Genesis and Camel, aka it ***ing rocks. Vocally the album is, and not to sound gay, beautiful. Thijs has the voice of an angel, his vocal range oozes masterfulness. Even short tracks like Love remembered are spectacular, The classic guitar mixed in with the more modern sounding synth effects is an excellent combination. The 2 epics of the album, are especially exceptional, the soothing yet jamming song titled Answers? Questions! Questions? Answers! is like warm cum to the ears. While Anonymous Two is a much more rocking rocker which rocks so hard, i can barely describe how much it kicks butthole. The song highlights their strong jazz influences, non stop jamming for 26 minutes, brilliant.
If you dig jams you will dig this jam, the jams dont just jam hard, they have real depth and groove, you'll be jivin for weeks on end. Some may find the epics self indulgent wank fests but if you enjoy or respect jazz you'll understand the true depth to these pieces. Focus III is a progressive rock behemoth that is sadly overlooked. Essential.
