Gentle Giant's fourth album has a harder, more rocking edge, making a striking contrast with their more symphonic third album. No doubt the reason was the introduction of John Weathers on drums. The album still contains a wide variety of sounds and textures, from the rocking power of The Advent Of Panurge to the vocal intricacies of Knots to the beauty of Think Of Me With Kindness.
The title was allegedly invented by Phil Shulman's wife, Roberta. It is short for "Octo Opus," or eight musical works.
Considered by many to be Gentle Giant's best album, Octopus represented a key transitional time for the group. This was simultaneously Phil's last and John's first album as members of Gentle Giant. The result is a fascinating blend of the old and the new.