Short Reviews [Focus - 2024 - "12"]

As one may have guessed from the album title, Focus are back with their twelfth studio album, which may not be many given their very long existence but it is a delight all the same so it is quality and not quantity. Thijs van Leer (flute, organ, piano, synths) is still very much at the helm, while Pierre van der Linden (drums) also shows no signs at all of slowing down even though both are now well into their seventies. Menno Gootjes (guitars, piano, synths) first joined the band in the 90’s while “newbie” Udo Pannekeet (bass, synths, programming) has been there since 2016, and the two youngsters have taken the audio reins on this album, acting as producers. This sounds like the work of a much younger outfit, with Gootjes blasting away with some stunning leads, daring the others to stay with him, yet Linden is still as powerful and dynamic as he was when playing on the stunning “Hocus Pocus” all the way back in 1971 and shows no sign whatsoever of slowing down. Thijs van Leer has always been the master of the organ, in many ways reminiscent of Jon Lord in that he always puts a huge amount of himself into the playing, becoming part of the instrument in a way which is much more than being “just” a player. But here is often lets the guitar take the lead, strident and impactful while he plays more of a supporting role. This feels very much like a much younger Focus, and with Roger Dean yet again providing the artwork it really does feel as we are back fifty years. This album is a delight from beginning to end, one which progheads will do well to look out for.