FOCUS

"Focus 12" (Spirit of Unicorn Music; 2024)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

It's hard to believe that Focus has been around since 1969 (in one form or another) and perhaps even harder to believe that their biggest hit, "Hocus Pocus," was released only a year later. That's especially impressive because, to this day, we still hear that song in movies, video games and sampling.

So along comes this album, "Focus 12," with its ten fascinating instrumental tracks. It's not the band's 12th album, by the way (although I suppose there's a way you could count it as that) and Track #2 is entitled "Focus 13," just to further the confusion but, for fans of instrumental prog rock, there's plenty to entertain throughout "Focus 12."

It's important to keep in mind this isn't progressive metal. It's progressive rock. And jazz. And probably some other genres thrown in as well. It's way closer to Yes than it is to Dream Theater. Most of the tracks are keyboard/piano heavy and have a slow, leisurely pace that concentrate more on atmosphere than rocking the world. There are some exceptions, the most notable being the second half of the aforementioned "Focus 13," which feels a little like a modern day Deep Purple instrumental. "Fjord Focus" is a little bit like that, too, but with more of a Jethro Tull sound due to flute use throughout.

 All that being said, I enjoyed this album immensely. It's a nice, relaxing listen with some impressive musicianship and composition that may not make you want to bang your head, but maybe just take a short, peaceful journey with a group of talented veteran musicians.

For more information, check out https://focustheband.co.uk/.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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