Vander Graaf Generator
Do Not Disturb
(Esoteric Antenna)

Progressive rock stalwarts Van der Graaf Generator have just released their 13^th studio album, Do Not Disturb. Opening the album with the guitar jangle slow plod of “Aloft,” by the time Guy Evans’ stuttering snare beat comes in with Hugh Banton’s organ following the mostly spoken vocals melody line, we are thudding along nicely in full prog rock styling presented through different movements in the seven-minute-plus song. Once again, there is more talking than singing from bandleader Pete Hammill about the past in “Alfa Berlina,” but it moves heavy and strong with organ blaring through (at least until half way when we get a retard, then things move ahead). “Room 1210” is a piano ballad, the first truly effective song for me. Yes, things get heavy with Hammill’s wailing during the midsection instrumental, but we settle at the end as we do at the beginning with some sweetness. “Forever Falling” and “(Oh No I Must Have Said) Yes” are heavier, rockin’ tunes, the latter especially with Banton’s bass and Evans’ rimshot grooving middle while “Almost the Words” is another piano tune with soft tom action and Hammill’s best vocals of these nine tracks. It does overstay its welcome without much happening really, but it is probably the most poignant moment here. “Go,” with its full flush of organ under Hammill’s pronouncement-like lyrics about what could have been, ends. There’s been a lot of talk if this is Van der Graaf Generator’s last release. Time will tell on that, but certainly, Do Not Disturb would be a fitting way to end a wonderful prog-tastic career.