Pass That Dutch

Focus: Hocus Pocus
From: Moving Waves [Sire, 1971]

Focus: Carnival Fugue and Answers? Questions! Questions? Answers!
From: Focus III [Polydor, 1972]

I'll step out of the dub bag for a moment and return to the world of progressive rock: early 70's, Netherlands.

Focus is one of the more well-known bands in the progressive rock canon- recognized both for brilliance and indulgence. Helmed by a pair of virtuosos: keyboardist/flautist Thijs Van Leer and guitarist Jan Akkerman, the band delivered a handful of solid (mostly instrumental) albums between 1970 and 1974. During this run, they even managed to land a song at #9 in the American pop charts with a suprising single: the yodel-enfused 'Hocus Pocus'. Like many bands with an outlier of a single, some Focus fans would probably argue that 'Hocus Pocus' is not exactly representative of the band's music. It's hard, though, to say what really is representative of their music. Each album is stocked with short composed guitar-led instrumentals, medieval classic guitar/mellotron interludes, baroque organ-led instrumentals, meaty rock riffing, and the obligatory long song (to showcase both compositional and improvisational chops). In other words, gloriously over-the-top studio jamming.

Focus' rhythm section lineup changes fairly frequently, but that tends to be a non-issue. The band really seems to more about an overall vibe or sound; and, it is a distinct sound. Aided by some beautifully warm and lush production, Focus albums envelope the listener in a pleasing nostalgic analog haze. Fun stuff.