Focus is a Dutch band formed in 1969 by vocalist/keyboardist/flute player Thijs Van Leer and also featuring guitarist extraordinaire Jan Akkerman. They are a progressive rock band that takes the road less traveled by making use of odd rhythms and the use of Van Leer’s flute as a dominant instrument.
They gained their greatest commercial success and fame during the first half of the 1970s. While the band disbanded in 1978, a number of reunions led to their reformation during 2002. Focus 8, released in 2002, was the first release of this new phase of their career. Three more studio albums have followed, but their new release, Focus 8.5, was recorded between their eighth and ninth studio albums, hence the 8.5 title.
During 2005, Focus was touring in South America and all the tracks were recorded between concerts. Even though those songs have lain dormant for over a decade, they are not throwaways. All are original compositions by the band members and producer/musician Marvio Ciribelli.
It is the South American connection that defines the album and music. They make use of a number of local musicians who fuse traditional Latin rhythms with their progressive rock sound. This is particularly true for drummer Marcio Bahia, who joins band member Pierre Van Der Kinden to create a depth of layers to the percussion. It all adds up to a very different yet satisfying progressive rock album.
At over ten minutes, “Focus Zero” takes a classic approach with dashes of improvisation layered over the melody and rhythm section. “Surrexit Christus” and “Millennium,” with two drummers, explore a number of rhythms. “Rock 5” is a rhythmic orchestral piece. “Talking Rhythms” is a track that features drummers Van Der Linden and Bahia going at it.
If you are a fan of Focus, this release will be a treat. If you have not yet been exposed to their sound, this album will be an adventure.
