This is a retrospective review of Gentle Giant's 1972 album Octopus, published as part of Louder's "Album of the Week Club" series, in which critics and readers revisit and reassess an older record. The piece argues that Octopus, despite its eccentric prog-rock trappings, embodies the genre's best qualities: literary ambition, meticulous musicianship and a distinctly British wit, rather than the bloated indulgence prog is often accused of.

The album features a Roger Dean cover and eight tracks, including The Advent Of Panurge (referencing Rabelais) and A Cry For Everyone (inspired by Albert Camus), with future Human League producer Martin Rushent working as engineer. The article compiles quotes from outlets such as The Rocktologist, Debaser and AllMusic praising its complex, puzzle-like arrangements, particularly on Knots, alongside a more mixed personal reflection from a club member who found the record technically impressive but not to his taste.