Free Hand
is perhaps
Gentle Giant
's most realized effort. After the excellent
In a Glass House
, the group further developed its Renaissance-medieval approach, producing one of the most creative and complex recordings in
progressive rock
history. Their vocal approach to the four-part fugue
"On Reflection"
was revolutionary for its time and is looked upon as one of the genre's defining moments. Despite the complexity of the arrangements, the music never sounds academic and in fact is very accessible thanks to several melodic hooks. The combination of superb musicianship, dry wit, and creative compositions make this an essential and historical recording. ~ Robert Taylor