Reviewed by MJBrady on 06 Sep 2002
Progressive rock was really happening in 1972, what with bands like Gentle Giant, Genesis, Jethro Tull, ELP, Yes, Zappa, as well as many Italian bands starting to gain a lot of momentum towards the genres greatest years of popularity. Fusion was also enjoying a surge in interest, and the onset of what this site was about was beginning to come into full swing. Focus, a band until this time remained relatively unknown, coming from the Netherlands, released this album and to this day they penned one of the most popular progrock songs of all time in Hocus Pocus. No doubt that this song not only put The Netherlands on the map as a musically diverse country, but this band would leave a legacy of great recordings, though none as popular as Moving Waves.
Focus' music as a whole had little to do with what was heard on the song Hocus Pocus, deeper cuts on the record revealed a band that was able to capture a writing style that encompasses a wide variety of separate influences. In hearing this record in it entireity, you can better appreciate what a truly talented band this really was. As much as they were part of progressive rocks beginnings, they interestingly enough were contributing to the fusion genre as well. Later albums would see them gravitate into the fusion realm much furthur. Of course guitarist Jan Akkerman's name became nearly a household word, and he went on to record quite a bit of solo material, prog, fusion, and some classical as well. Thjis Van Leer, would have to be considered the brains behind this band, his flare for complexity, and fusiony breaks, were a direct result of his musical vision, no doubt. Hearing this music yet today has a most refreshing feel to it. If you are a bit leary of getting aquainted with Focus, definetly start with this album, my guess is you will be very impressed.