Focus – Focus 12 (Spirit of Unicorn Music, 2024)
Focus, the renowned Dutch progressive rock band, will release their new studio album, Focus 12, on July 5, 2024. Unlike other pioneering progressive rock bands that have lost their way, Focus continues to charm with its magnificent style of progressive rock where baroque and classical music meets jazz fusion and high energy rock. Moreover, Focus has made memorable and timeless instrumentals throughout the years, and Focus 12 is no exception.
The entire album is a keeper, with stellar performances by all musicians. Although founder Thijs van Leer doesn’t sing or yodel much anymore, he is still a fantastic instrumentalist who delivers deeply satisfying and engaging flute, piano, organ, and synth performances. Equally important is the guitar work. Menno Gootjes is one of the finest guitarists in the Dutch scene, with a multifaceted, dazzling, imaginative and elegant set of techniques that keep you hooked throughout the album.
Founded by Thijs van Leer, Focus has been a leading force in the progressive music scene since 1969. Thijs van Leer, 75, and Pierre van der Linden, 78, remain passionate contributors to Focus. Thijs, the primary composer for the new album, begins his workday at 4:30 AM to focus on his music. Meanwhile, Pierre delivers some of his most dynamic drum performances on this record.
For the first time, younger band members Udo Pannekeet (bass) and Menno Gootjes (guitar) have taken on production duties for Focus 12. They also each contributed two compositions to the album. Thijs remarked, “How beautiful life can be when a band plays so easily and so together.”
Notably, Focus 12 includes a fully improvised track captured live in the studio, demonstrating the band’s ongoing enthusiasm for exploring new musical territories. Thijs van Leer expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thanks Pierre, Udo, and Menno for so much musical passion!”
The album features artwork by legendary graphic designer Roger Dean, with the vinyl edition featuring a striking gatefold sleeve.
Musicians: Thijs van Leer on flute, organ, piano, synthesizers; Menno Gootjes on guitars, piano, synthesizers; Pierre van der Linden on drums; and Udo Pannekeet on bass, synthesizers, programming.
Buy Focus 12.