Search - Van Der Graaf Generator :: Trisector

Wonderful!

Chris J. Previti | Glenolden, PA | 04/28/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Okay, I admit I was a little apprehensive upon pulling off the shrink-wrap, knowing that Dave Jackson isn't on this release. But after hearing Trisector, I honestly believe this is one of their best. Hammill, Banton and Evans have really stepped things up and have made sure that no holes were left where DJ was. This is a varied collection and will no doubt keep your attention. There are even a couple of songs in 4/4 time.

The theme here seems to be the coming to grips with getting older and facing the inevitable, but by no means in a depressing way. A prime example is The Final Reel, a song about an elderly couple deciding to end it all while they're still able to make the decision for themselves. It's handled in a sweet and poignant way.

Highlights abound; the spirited playing throughout, the amazing Over the Hill, that literally had me catching my breath and gave me goosebumps, All That Before, a song relating to absentmindedness that actually brings humor to the subject and there's so much more.

If you're a VDGG fan that's worried that you might not like this because DJ isn't on it, don't be. I promise that you'll be more than happy to own it. I think anyone who enjoys good intelligent music that's well-played will love this CD. Here's hoping there are more releases to come."

Nearly Perfect

P.J. | Maine | 04/02/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As a long time fan of VDGG [early 70's],I was overjoyed when the band decided to reform for the Present album a few years ago, and I immediately purchased Real Time the moment that it became available. Both of those albums, in my opinion, were incredible, particularly Present, which showcased the bands experimental side, and featured the usual incredible lyrics and vocals of Peter Hammill, and the manic saxophone of David Jackson. I became a bit concerned when finding the new album, Trisector, at my local brick and mortar, when I realized that Mister Jackson was no longer performing with the band, which I was aware of by reading interviews and such after the last tour. Would I miss the saxophone too much? Would the band be the same band that I fell in love with so many years ago? Well, the answers are emphatically Yes and Yes! I absolutely miss the squonk and squeal of Jackson's saxophones and feel that their absence has taken a bit of the bite out of the songs. With that being said, the music on this album is so great, that it transcends even that feeling of loss. The band is firing on all cylinders on Trisector, even occuring to me that the band sounds rejuvenated. If you had told an unknowing me that the band members are all sixty-somethings, I never would have believed you. Hammill, Banton and Evans mesh as well as they ever have, and the power behind their musicianship is evident from the first note. The only reason for the four stars instead of the five is because I can only imagine how much more wonderful[yes, it's possible...barely] this album would have been with David Jackson on board. Kudos to the old timers, they've pulled it off again."

VDGG great comeback after Presence

Ignaciocue | Mexico | 04/02/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I believed that, without saxman David Jackson, VDGG in this trio format would be below their standards, but i was wrong. Most of the songs are great, really. Banton`s organ sounds incredible, Hammill still sings beautifully and guy evan`s drums are as strong as ever.

The compositions are very well constructed with intricate tempos and deep moods.This cd is full of energy and VDGG fans will be delighted. I consider it way better than Presence. You will not be dissapointed if you are into quality prog."