Search - Peter Hammill :: Chameleon in the Shadow of the Night (Reis)

A Stellar Transition from VDGG to Solo !

Steven Bray | 10/22/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the point of demarcation for Peter Hammill between fronting Van Der Graaf Generator, and embarking upon what has become his voluminous solo career. As such, the listener will discover elements of both within the confines of this release. Though much of this album was recorded by Peter at home with his (then) newly acquired tape recorder and mixer, studio wizardry abounds! As the soundstage swirls around you, you'll notice Peter's VDGG bandmates appear and add colour & texture to the livelier numbers, only to vanish as Peter attacks the introspective ballads with guitar and keyboard, then all reappear to mount an astonishing no-holds-barred full-out assault with "(In The) Black Room / The Tower", foreshadowing Van Der Graaf's 1975 reunion opus, "Godbluff".

The bonus material, though of inferior sound quality, is of interest, as well. There's plenty here to please anyone who appreciates the effusive 'excesses' of either Van Der Graaf Generator's sonic cacophony or Peter Hammill's ebullient vocal stylings. For you, the adventurous, buy with confidence-and ENJOY !"

Classic!

Lee H. Hasselman | Pittsburgh,Pa. | 02/24/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Manheim ,Rainy Saturday' are very dear words to my heart. After getting so entombed by Van der Graff Generater at the 'awed' age of 15, from my beautiful 'Hippy' Uncle, There was a small HEAD SHOP" several miles away that sold the eternal *IMPORT* LPs!. I saw 'Peter Hammill/Chameleon" sitting right in front of me!!!;{KNOWING the tiny fact that this WAS Van Der Graffs composer/singer}, I immediately grabbed it like a thief, and sped home... My BEST suprise was that THIS was Peter! . but ...STILL!..Van Der Graff! SAME players, same Dave Jackson, Guy Evens, Hugh?.. It was a NEW/old Van der Graff to me!!! It TRULY was!

We progressed to Peters"In Camara" and Silent Corner LPs next!.

It really IS Peter's magic/Solo material, yet Van Der Graff {hidden] in the guise of the master name of Peter Hammill under the music. It IS a beautiful, less attack of Van Der Graff , yet Peter IS the forefront, with his loving bandmates in the non assuming backround roll..It IS a MUST for VDGG betrothed! Buy IT! NOW!!!!!!! God Bless"