Van Der Graaf Generator talk ‘technically demanding’ 13th album

Van Der Graaf Generator
Van Der Graaf Generator

Van Der Graaf Generator mainman Peter Hammill says the band’s 13th studio album Do Not Disturb features some of the most technically demanding work they’ve ever done.

The follow-up to 2012’s ALT was recorded over the space of a week after rehearsal sessions, with all backing tracks recorded live in the studio. And Hammill reports the album is a “vital” addition to the band’s catalogue.

He tells Prog: “Some of this music is as technically demanding as anything Van Der Graaf Generator have ever played. Other passages rely on the feel and empathy which has been built up over the years.

“As a whole, it’s a confident and assertive exploration of the possibilities of a modern trio. Lyrically, the passage of time and the cascades of shared memory and experience illuminate the songs. Do Not Disturb is a vital addition to the recorded Van Der Graaf Generator canon.”

The cover art and tracklist for Do Not Disturb can be viewed below.

Hammill, Hugh Banton and Guy Evans released live album Merlin Atmos earlier this year.

Van Der Graaf Generator Do Not Disturb tracklist

  1. Aloft
  2. Alfa Berlina
  3. Room 1210
  4. Forever Falling
  5. Shikata Ga Nai
  6. (Oh No I Must Have Said) Yes
  7. Brought To Book
  8. Almost The Words
  9. Go

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Scott has spent 35 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in the summer of 2014 before moving into e-commerce in 2020. Scott keeps Louder’s buyer’s guides up to date, writes about the best deals for music fans, keeps on top of the latest tech releases and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more for Louder. Over the last 10 years, Scott has written more than 11,000 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from daily news and weekly features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, The Tragically Hip, Marillion and Rush.