Darkness/Refugees/White Hammer/Whatever Would Robert Have Said/Out Of My Book/After The Flood
The Manchester progressive band Van Der Graaf Generator enjoyed a cult following in the early 1970s but The Least We Can Do was their only album to dent the charts. Vocalist Peter Hammill would later enjoy some critical success as a solo artist. (UK:47)
“Their first real prog album is a lot darker and more sinister than nearly anything else that came out at the time. I wouldn't call any of this heavy metal but the doom organ ending to White Hammer is one of the heaviest moments on any prog album.”
“This album showcases the musical talents of each member, showing no problem taking on a fully developed darkened atmosphere replete with Gothic organs, dual saxes, full on jazz-fusion with layered symphonic effects and extremely pleasant melodic developments, with frenzied freak-outs appearing in the mix.”
“Like all Generator albums this one took me at least half a dozen listens before I started to ‘get it’. which is more a reflection of how much is going on rather than the tracks being difficult for the sake of difficult. I’m generally not a fan of the jazz fusion that pops up in their albums but I find it tolerable nonetheless.”
“The songs aren't quite there yet, and the whole thing feels a little unfinished. Hammill is captivating as usual, but sometimes the arrangements around him are not quite up to scratch. On the whole it's pretty strong, and a good indication of where they were heading.”
“This sounds dated and extremely dark because of its lyrically dominating nature, and also quite depressing because of Peter Hammill's distinctly fantastic lyric writing talents, not to mention all those unforgettable and emotional mood shifts taking place during his constantly changing vocal range.”
“The heavy, at times cacophonous sound on the album is dominated largely by Peter Hammill's remarkable vocals, which range from a heavy metal rasp to a high pitched choir boy vocal style. The music is very odd, in parts dark, but yet very complex for the times, progressive all the way, with some fantastic lyrics.”
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