Van Der Graaf Generator are one of those bands that seem to be more referenced than actually listened to, and over the course of an impressive career their name has become synonymous with the more experimental end of the progressive rock spectrum, not to mention something of an aura of weirdness.
Having remained in a dormant state between 1978 and 2005, ‘ALT’ is the third album following the reunion of three of the core members of the lineup from their ‘classic’ period. However, whereas ‘Trisector’ and ‘A Grounding in Numbers’ were new studio albums proper, ‘ALT’ is a collection of improvised pieces culled from the previous album sessions, and such is composed of outtakes, jams, and half-evolved ideas.
Perhaps not entirely surprisingly, this entirely instrumental affair is rather hit and miss. Its certainly not without its moments: orchestral bursts, sweeping strings and brooding brass feature prominently on the dramatically cinematic ‘Collosus’, and ‘Splendid’ borders on avant-jazz with wildly spiralling Doors-esque organ meandering through its course .
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There are a number of short interludes: not really compositions or even fully explored improvisations, but brief detours that bridge the longer pieces. ‘Sackbut’ ‘Batty Loop’ and ‘Extractus’ all clock in at under two minutes. They serve a purpose, but are far from essential.
Much of the remainder suffers from being indulgent and directionless, the kind of freeform meandering that gives both improv and prog a bad reputation.
I’d say that this is one for the fans, but having clocked a few comments on forums already, I’m not sure even they’re exactly rapt with this effort.
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