Focus' debut album is gentler and more low-key and vocal-oriented than their subsequent efforts; fans of
Jan Akkerman's pyrotechnics may be disappointed by his relatively restrained presence, but others may be pleasantly surprised to find a more economic group than they remember. A fair collection of
progressive rock tunes without a clear focus, the material is dominated by
Thijs Van Leer, often introducing
classical sensibilities. But at least as often, it sticks with fairly conventional period
folk-rock and
blues influences, with occasional jazzy shadings.
Akkerman's
"House of the King" is the most accurate
Jethro Tull imitation ever recorded. ~ Richie Unterberger
