BACK IN THE WORLD OF ADVENTURES

In the wake of Roine Stolt's foray into progressive rock on his 1994 solo album 'The Flower King,' the band The Flower Kings were formed. All the musicians who were present on 'The Flower King' are featured on this album. Additionally, Tomas Bodin (who was a longtime friend of Roine Stolt) became the keyboardist for The Flower Kings and was a co-writer. His last album with the band was on their 2013 album, 'Desolation Rose.' Roine's brother, Micheal Stolt, became the original Flower Kings bassist and played on the first four Flower Kings albums ('Back in the World of Adventures,' 'Retropolis,' 'Stardust We Are,' and 'Flower Power') as well as the latest four ('Waiting For Miracles,' 'Islands,' 'By Royal Decree,' and 'Look At You Now'). Hasse Fröberg sings backing vocals on "My Cosmic Lover," though he wasn't an official member of The Flower Kings until their 1997 album 'Stardust We Are.'

'Back in the World of Adventures' opens with "World of Adventures." The serenity of the first couple seconds lulls the listener, and then the music sucker punches you with heavy guitar riffs. The mellotron, vocal melody, and psychedelia during the verse reminds me of The Beatles. Overall, "World of Adventures" is a well-constructed 13-minute piece that captures prog at its most celebratory. I can almost envision the band members having a lot of fun during the recording of this song. "Atomic Prince / Kaleidoscope" is an instrumental piece. The groovy rhythm section provides a strong foundation throughout. The music subdues, reminding me of the mellow moments on 'In the Court of the Crimson King.' The ending acoustic guitar piece is gorgeous. It sounds romantic yet melancholic. Every time I hear this piece, nostalgia washes over me.

The guitar and bass riff of "Go West Judas" is very similar to the riff of the Gordon Goodwin song "The Jazz Police," which I played in my high school jazz band. "Go West Judas" is the heaviest song on 'Back in the World of Adventures.' Roine Stolt's intricate shredding on this song reminds me of John Petrucci. The chorus of "Go West Judas" has a Middle Eastern quality. "Train to Nowhere" is a haunting ballad. I can't help but think of the Holocaust when listening to the lyrics. Roine Stolt's guitar cries with emotion. "Oblivion Road" is an improvisational instrumental, which The Flower Kings would explore in-depth on their 2002 jazz fusion extravaganza, 'Unfold the Future.' Ulf Wallander's soprano saxophone shines on this track.

"Theme for a Hero" is another instrumental, filled with catchy lead guitar melodies that evoke pure joy. "Temple of the Snakes" is a dark, ambient interlude with interesting keyboard textures. The Flower Kings go full psychedelic pop on "My Cosmic Lover," which is a highlight of 'Back in the World of Adventures.' The funky bassline paired with the syncopated melody makes it impossible for anyone listening not to groove along. The music also has a Hindustani flavor, which augments the eclecticism of this song. Hasse Fröberg's backing vocals are subtle. Nevertheless, his vocals is the extra spice of cumin in the chili that is "My Cosmic Lover."

"The Wonder Wheel" is a cinematic instrumental piece which acts as the precursor to the closing track and my favorite piece on 'Back in the World of Adventures,' "Big Puzzle." The beginning of this 13-minute epic starts subdued. Then, the music builds once the 7/8 rhythm is introduced. The second half of the song is the climax. Roine Stolt's passionate vocals and emotional guitar solo that ends the piece are exquisite.

In conclusion, 'Back in the World of Adventures' is a great debut album. Most debut albums are weaker than subsequent albums of that band's discography (E.g. Genesis, Yes). Because of Roine Stolt's 20+ years of experience in the music industry prior to the release of 'Back in the World of Adventures,' there is a sophistication about this album as a debut. While I do believe that The Flower Kings went on to produce better albums, 'Back in the World of Adventures' will always have a special place in my heart. One minor critique I have of 'Back in the World of Adventures' is that it sounds like a Roine Stolt solo album. The rest of the musicians don't sound like they're fully integrated in the band. But of course, that would change in the future.