Legendary Dutch progressive rock band recently released their latest album, Focus 12, so it might come as something of a surprise that their latest single is titled ‘Focus 13’.
However, the band has never taken the more obvious route, with bassist Udo Pannekeet comments “’Focus 13‘ is a composition full of strong, emotive and beautiful melodies which only Thijs could write.”
The track features the highly skilled drumming touch that only a true elder statesman of progressive music can deliver. Pierre van der Linden excels, providing a flow and rhythm which creates tension yet also allows the melody to breath.
Pannekeet continued “The drum part is totally unique!” further noting, “As part of our line of numbered Focus tracks, ’13’ really sticks out.”
Enigmatic band leader and founder member Van Leer agreed, saying, “I began this composition with nothing. Zero. Yet it has ended up as a true hero!”
Focus 12 was recorded at the world-renowned Wisseloord Studios, in the band’s native country of the Netherlands and is produced by both Pannekeet and Gootjes. It will be available on CD, vinyl and digitally via streaming services and can be ordered by clicking here.
The single follows the May release of ‘Fjord Focus’, that – as with much of the new album – was written by Van Leer. About that single, bassist Udo Pannekeet commented “’Fjord Focus’ is a beautiful, classic composition by Thijs with wonderful 12/8 rhythms provided by drummer Pierre van der Linden.”
The track features an epic guitar solo from Menno Gootjes, that was recorded in just one take. Pannekeet recalled: “It is one of the best solos we’ve ever captured in the studio. I remember I had goosebumps listening back. I couldn’t believe he (Goojtes) nailed these Coltrane-like chord changes in one go!”
When asked to comment on the new single, Gootjes simply said: “I just think it’s great. Just put it on and be taken on an adventure.” Something that fans might declare of the whole album.
“To me, it is a fairy tale,” said the band’s enigmatic commander in chief, Thijs Van Leer, and it’s true the band has risen to the occasion with this release. ‘Fjord Focus’ is available to download now from all good streaming services, and you can check out the video here at RAMzine, as you can the music for ‘Focus 13’.
Set to be an exciting Summer for Focus, the band is touring the USA and Canada for a string of 21 live shows, as part of the Heat Of The Moment Tour alongside other progressive music greats, Asia, Curved Air and Martin Turner – ex Wishbone Ash.
