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They are probably that step too far for most people, even those who like prog adjacent stuff like early Bowie, so I e we hold say it’s quite unusual to speak to people who like them.

Justaxposed to Queen’s ‘no synths’ rule, VDGG had no electric guitars or bass ethos, instead relying on organ and saxophone. David Jackson taping 2 saxophones together and playing them simultaneously is one of the best prog images there is. Guy Evan’s on drums was once described by an ex member of this parish as Gnarly, which is apt.

Far more abrasive than their peers Yes and Genesis - and not as good or successful either - their music can easily be described as pretty fucking mad, man. Their masterpiece is obviously pawn hearts, with their multi part opus ‘a plague of lighthouse keepers’ often placed up there with the other long epics of the era, typically consisting of close to the edge by yes, suppers ready by genesis, 9 feet underground by caravan, thick as brick by jethro Tull etc. it’s not for the faint hearted, with dissonance and extremely jarring sections that are very challenging musically. It’s the opposite of background music and needs to be actively listened to imo.

My second favourite album by them is godbluff, which although not as face meltingly crazy as lawn hearts still has its moments but is also smoother and at times stunningly beautiful.

Of all the big prog bands out there, of which Genesis and yes are by far the most popular, within prog circles VDGG are probably the next 1 or 2 bands prog heads love the most from that era. Check out lawn hearts and godbluff, both are a step on from h to he, imo.