"Do Not Disturb" is the 13th studio album by the English progressive rock band Van Der Graaf Generator. The album, released on September 30, 2016, by Esoteric Recordings, was recorded in Britain at several locations. It was mixed at Dairy Studios in Brixton and Woodworms Studio while the mastering took place at Skye Mastering.
Peter Hammill, Hugh Banton, and Guy Evans, the original band members, worked on this album, keeping the classic spirit of the band alive, while adding modern elements as well. The recording process included creating songs individually, then refining them as a group. Hammill was mainly responsible for the lyrics, which give the album its unique character.
Throughout the album, the band explores themes of existentialism, death, and the human condition. Specifically, the songs tackle profound topics such as the impermanence and solitude of life. The album encompasses 9 tracks, including "Aloft," "Alfa Berlina," and "Room 1210," which feature the band's signature experimental progressive rock sound.
Furthermore, this might be considered their swansong album as hinted by Hammill in one of the interviews, where he mentioned that "Do Not Disturb" is set to be possibly their last studio work due to their age and the band's legacy. Though it's not definitive, and the band has not officially announced their retirement as of yet.
In terms of reception, "Do Not Disturb" was met with predominantly positive reviews, with critics lauding its lyrical content and the band's experimental approach to their output.
In conclusion, "Do Not Disturb" by Van Der Graaf Generator is an introspective, contemplative album that provides a deep and mature sound reflecting the band's extensive music career, exploring profound themes while keeping their potent and iconic progressive rock sound.
