 In May 1975, at the suggestion of their studio engineer, American drummer David Kemper was brought in to complete the rest of the album.Released in October 1975, "Mother Focus" saw Focus depart from their classical and jazz-influenced sound towards shorter, commercially accessible songs with middle of the road influences and little room for improvisation and jamming they were known for.Akkerman argued with van Leer and Ruiter over the group's change in musical direction, deeming it "typical American music".