Focus- Moving Waves

Today we take a trip to the Netherlands, home of the much loved symphonic prog group Focus. Known for their excellent guitarist Jan Akkerman and highly eccentric keyboardist/flautist Thjis van Leer, Moving Waves , their second album, was released in 1971 (with the title of Focus II in their homeland). The album also features Pierre van der Linden on drums and Cyril Havermans on Bass. Focus was a primarly instrumental group, and did a pleathora of styles over the years, in fact, none of their albums really has the same feel.

The album kicks off with the well known track "Hocus Pocus", which features yodeling prominently and became a trans-Atlantic radio hit with its epic guitar sections and drum fills changing after every chorus. It's a chaotic mess. This is contrasted with the brief acoustic guitar work "Le Clochard" right after it. The album includes three other small songs on its A side: "Janis", "Moving Waves", and the second instalment of their self title series of songs. "Moving Waves is notable for featuring some rare vocals on a Focus record, but it's not super exiting, while the other two have nice flute work. The B side is dedicated solely to the 22 and a half minute "Eruption", which is a heavy handed work of music. The keyboards dominate this one, and it ultimatley can't hold interest beyond the 8 minute mark.

Though it's got some duds, Moving Waves has a lot to offer. Akkerman's guitar performances are exquisite. Grade: B