KEYHOLDER

Unlike most here, I don't have a big problem with Patrick's vocals. It isn't really until the next album that they get on my nerves, but I think in that case the writing is more to blame than anything else.

As to the music, the first half of this album is simply excellent. The first 3 tracks are the best the modern Kaipa has produced (and probably even better than anything the 70's version did). A great trio to start the album, and possibly what made the last half such a let down for me. Simply great, proggy, complex, energetic playing and great vocals on these three. Sonic Pearls is a pretty mellow and nice song, but nothing outstanding. The End Of The Rope has it's moments but seems a bit too long and drawn out to me. Still, not a bad song. The next track just bores me to death. Very uneventful and seems like the formula is wearing thin. Distant Voices is better, but way too much Yes plagiarism on this one for my taste. The last track is nearly as boring as Across..

So, all in all, a decent album with a great first half and a fairly dull second half. Since the album is quite long (just shy of 80 minutes), programming out the boring numbers makes for a pretty darn good album. 3.5 stars rounded down to 3.

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