The Aerosol Grey Machine

Led by the indefatigable Peter Hammill here begins the musical quest of Van Der Graaf Generator. Over the next decade, he would divide his time between leading VDGG and a prolific solo career; though where those lines separate would at times be difficult to identify. The band had already been through iteration or two by the time it got around to recording The Aerosol Grey Machine. Hammill and co-conspirator Chris Judge Smith formed the band with organist Nick Pearne in 1968 while still at Manchester University. Moving to London, the duo spent the next year attempting to record, having already secured a recording contract with Mercury. More fruitful was the assembly of a full band, with Hugh Banton on organ, Guy Evans on drums, Keith Ellis on bass, and a relationship with Charisma impresario Tony Stratton-Smith. However, Judge left after they recorded their first single "People You Were Going To" b/w "Firebrand", and after a few gigs, their equipment was stolen and the band split up. Originally conceived as a solo album, Hammill rounded up the others in July 1969 to record what eventually was released as the first VDGG album. "Afterwards" opens and immediately reveals the promise: a gentle, indeed, beautiful song that introduces Hammill's voice, as distinct as his songwriting. However, the following "Orthenian St" and "Into A Game" offer the first glimpse of what the band could offer. Evan's delicate drumming and Banton's monstrous organ would remain the hallmarks of VDGG, while the thick, rhythmic bass of Ellis would only propel this album. Both "Necromancer" and "Octopus" further demonstrate the band's virtuosity, and in true VDGG fashion close in a chaotic finale. Oddly, the album was only released in the US.