THE LAST ENCORE

Kayak is a Dutch symphonic prog / pop group that had some considerable succes in the charts in the seventies. 'The Last Encore' is the album that did not produce a hit, whereas the single 'Land on the Water' was still to artsy a song to be picked-up by the mainstream. Kayak reached both pop and prog audiences by simply being one of the most melodically advanced groups of the progressive movement. While it picked up some of the light-heartedness of a band like Supertramp, it also had a serenity to it like the best Genesis albums have. Furthermore, keyboardist and pianist Ton Scherpenzeel has some major influences from the grand piano chord progressions we know from classical music. On 'The Last Encore' Kayak reached its creative peak with some very artistic songs of great beauty and all songs are quite moody in their own distinct way. Perhaps even too moody for some, reaching the point of not seeming aware there is an audience to attract here. The falsetto voice of Max Werner is an acquired taste, but I really love how honest his performances sound on this album. The album simply has too many songs I love, but I would like to mention a few. 'Nothingness', a soul crushing ballad with an un-earthly haunting a capella ending section. 'The Last Encore', with its unique vulnerable atmosphere and strange, yet beautiful chords. 'Still my Heart Cries for You', a mini prog epic which reaches a great rock orchestra intensity and a has a touching ending with an accordion. Finally; 'Relics From A Distant Age' with its amazing piano leads and magical atmosphere. To me this album will probably remain THE underrated classic of progressive rock's history, though in a extensive poll by the Dutch online magazine 'Progwereld' the album did great. Recommended for listeners of melodic progressive rock and I guess the album might also persuade some Italian prog fans.