Gentle Giant - Three Friends

After the giant leap between the first two albums, it was hardly to be expected that a similar progression would be made on the third. A new drummer and a lyrical concept should lead the way, but unfortunately the band often sounds cramped and restricted, less inspired and above all less colourful. The ''Prologue'' is promising enough with its trademark of soaring guitar and syncopated vocals. But already the overlong Schooldays sounds constructed. A superfluous child's recitation (son Calvin Shulman) underscores the helplessness to keep the ship on course. ''Working all day'' sounds like a remake of ''Wreck'' of the previous album, but more dull and monochrome. Sax and moog parts are extremely displeasing. Side B starts again fine. ''Peel the paint'' is the best track by far: adventurous, biting and with another awesome juxtaposition of velvet chamber music and hard-hitting rock. The rest has its incredible moments, but cannot save the album as a whole.