Van der Graaf Generator are an English progressive rock band, formed in 1967 in Manchester by singer-songwriters Peter Hammill and Chris Judge Smith and the first act signed by Charisma Records. They did not experience much commercial success in the UK, but became popular in Italy during the 1970s. In 2005 the band reformed, and continue to perform as of 2016.

The group's albums have tended to be both lyrically and musically darker in atmosphere than many of their progressive rock peers (a trait they shared with King Crimson, whose guitarist Robert Fripp guested on two of their albums), and guitar solos were the exception rather than the rule, preferring to use Banton's classically influenced organ, and, until his departure, Jackson's multiple saxophones. While Hammill is the primary songwriter for the band, and its members have contributed to his solo albums, he is keen to stress that the band collectively arranges all its material.

Indeed, the songwriting of Peter Hammill, and the musicianship of the incredible players present -- the VdG core of Hugh Banton and Guy Evans -- combined to make their brand new album Do Not Disturb one of the most stunning recordings this amazing group has ever produced (IMHO). Hammill's lyrics and vocals are the strongest they had been in years -- and on a lyrical level, his songs have seemingly taken a turn with the band that listeners had previously experienced only on his (equally impressive) solo recordings.

I will also fully admit that like most fine progressive albums, some people might not think this is the greatest thing at the first listening, but it insists you listen again, and again, and reveals itself further each time, trust me.

But, I dare you not to be impressed with this from moment number one, for one minute the acoustic guitar, piano and Hammill's dramatic vocals are lulling you into bliss, the next minute Hugh Banton's ferocious Hammond and Guy Evans' massive drums and percussion are blasting you out of your seat! It just doesn't get any better than Do Not Disturb in the Prog rock genre nowadays, of that there is no denying.