Focus
had well proven their ability to write rocking instrumentals by the time of this release. Their catalog, although consisting of four albums, rarely had a dull moment between them.
Hamburger Concerto
is equally consistent, much of it being prime
material. The
Akkerman
-written
"Birth"
and
"Early Birth"
are examples of
fully flexing their muscles, featuring superb guitar work and amazing all-round musicianship, as well as sporting some superb riffs. The usual lengthy instrumentals are present also, as well as some manic vocals from the manic but genius
Thijs Van Leer
. Although
is not as unerring as
Moving Waves
or
Focus III
, anyone who enjoyed the previous releases would undoubtedly find great satisfaction from this album. ~ Ben Davies