Legendary Dutch proggers Focus are back with their twelfth studio album, simply titled Focus 12 (why deviate from a winning formula?), continuing on with their brand of melodic and fusion-oriented instrumental progressive rock. The line-up today consists of:
Thijs van Leer / keyboards, flute
Pierre Van Der Linden / drums
Menno Gootjes / guitars
Udo Pannekeet / bass
If you've experienced the band's last few studio releases, Focus 12 doesn't deviate much from the formula, but I'd argue this latest contains more memorable compositions and rocks quite a bit more than previous efforts. "Fjord Focus" (get it?) is a wonderful track, full of catchy hooks and blazing arrangements. "Focus 13" contains some thrilling guitar work courtesy of Gootjes and Hammond organ from leader van Leer. "Bela' features gorgeous piano and more of those tasty guitar lines, while "Meta Indefinita" allows for van Leer's flute to float over some steady Van Der Linden drumming and more of those sumptuous guitar solos. "All Aboard" throws flute, organ, guitar, and nimble bass lines into the mix, and gets pretty heavy in spots, while "Nura" also rocks hard as well. Closer "Gaia" is an upbeat prog piece that brings to mind the Dixie Dregs in spots and certainly vintage '70s Focus, closing out what is a highly enjoyable release from this longstanding band that keeps delivering.Â
Track Listing
1. Fjord Focus (4:25)
2. Focus 13 (5:09)
3. Béla (4:08)
4. Meta Indefinita (4:37)
5. All Aboard (4:31)
6. Born to Be You (1:49)
7. Nura (3:57)
8. Bowie (3:25)
9. Postiano (3:28)
10. Gaia (4:16)
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