Hats Off Gentlemen It’s Adequate

A look back into the past and a vision of the future.  That defines Broken But Still Standing, the 3rd album from London band Hats Off Gentlemen It’s Adequate.  This release is somewhat of a departure from their previous albums since it is a full-out concept album reminiscent of Marillion’s Brave or Camel’s The Snow Goose.   The concept is a science fiction theme that follows human evolution from LUCA, the last universal common ancestor of all current life on earth, to AI.  With the lyrics and music, the album falls firmly into the progressive rock genre.  But without some of the excesses that have been experienced in the past with other bands.

Upon the first listen I was completely blown away by sterling musicianship, tight playing and the diversity of styles.  Though there are obviously influences like Pink Floyd and Marillion, the music varies from prog to electronica/ambient textures.  And despite this variety, the album gels nicely, giving you a feeling of being immersed in this musical journey.  The opening track “Vent” eases you in with the synth backdrop & the stellar flute playing by Kathryn Thomas.  Though also a classical musician, her work here is more akin to Mel Collins on the early King Crimson albums.

Departing from the ambient orchestrations, the mellow voice of Malcolm Galloway explores the exploration of Mars in the solemn “Last Man on the Moon”.  Kicking into high gear, “Anywhere” lays down a funky beat as the band layers the keyboards and Gilmour-style guitar along with Galloway’s urgent vocals.  “I Fell In Love With A Mechanical Dragon” features some nice synth soloing on this high energy cut.  “Let Me Out” features a wild free-form flute solo in a more hard rock/classic rock setting.  Finest cut on Broken But Still Standing is “Lucid Assassin”, an instrumental that sizzles as it merges old school prog rock and electronica.

A worthy successor to When the Kill Code Fails and Invisible, this outing demonstrates their advanced skill and maturity with songwriting and performing.  Though I’ve kicked about several influences and references to other bands, Galloway and crew are a unique entity.  70s and 80s progressive rock leanings with a modern attitude.

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Hats Off Gentlemen It’s Adequate are Malcolm Galloway, on his own, or with his colleagues Kathryn Thomas (flute), Mark Gatland (bass), Rudy Burrell (drums) and Ibon Bilboa (guitar). They are based in London, UK.  Malcolm and Mark have been playing together since they were at school. Malcolm and Kathryn are married.   Their music combines progressive rock, classic rock, acoustic, blues, metal, folk, funk, minimalism, and electronica.  Their music explores often explores scientific and philosophical themes.

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