Fool’s Mate

The Peter Hammill’s debut solo album was released in 1971 while he was still a member of Van der Graaf Generator. It features a more accessible, song-oriented approach than his later solo work, blending progressive rock, art rock, folk and baroque-pop influences. Recorded with contributions from fellow Van der Graaf members Hugh Banton, Guy Evans and David Jackson, as well as Robert Fripp on guitar, the album alternates intimate, introspective songs with darker and more dramatic compositions, showcasing Hammill’s distinctive voice and poetic lyrics. Fool’s Mate captures Hammill at the transition between traditional singer-songwriter material and the more experimental, theatrical and uncompromising style that would define his later work. A new reissue on vinyl after about 40 years from the last.