CIRCUS BRIMSTONE LIVE - BRIMSTONED IN EUROPE

Wow! It's an excellent instrumental work by one of may favorite prog rock bands The Flower Kings who has been consistent and solid in their music direction. This is basically a live record without any lead vocalist involved and it was taken from their concerts in Europe during 2005. It starts beautifully with "Cosmic Lodge" where you can find excellent guitar solo backed with tight basslines by Jonas Reingold. It moves nicely to slow tempo music which features ambient guitar fills and solo in "Astral Dog/ Hellhound". There s basically some sound effects demonstrated through the keyboard work by Tomas Bodin as well as drumming by Marcus Liliequist. The interlude or, I would say, a break part at approx minute 8 indicates that Jonas' bass guitar work sounds like Chris Squire of Yes.

The music moves into uplifting mode in "Circus Brimstone" a song by The Flower Kings that I really like, taken from their legendary album "Stardust We Are". It's interesting to notice how the song is played in instrumental mode with varied solos by guitar, keyboard as well as dynamic basslines. "The Man Who Walked With Kings" starts beautifully with ambient keyboard work followed with great acoustic guitar fills. The keyboard sounds like old organ and it has made the opening is classical in style. As the music moves, I like the acoustic guitar work augmented with soft organ work and dynamic bass guitar work. The guitar then gives its solo, using electric guitar. Fantastic! The guitar solo makes the song sounds brilliant, in relatively slow tempo.

"The Magic Circus Of Zeb" starts with long sustain keyboard work, creating an ambients for the song. It is then followed with an uplifting music with great bass guitar work, guitar as well as drums and keyboard. The keyboard (organ) takes place after the guitar and they do so intertwiningly. It's a good organ solo and guitar solo, indeed. "Speed Wizard". The bass guitar work reminds me to Chris Squire playing "Heart of The Sunrise" - it's so energetic and so powerful! Jonas Reingold rules! This track features Marcus dynamic drum solo as well, accompanied by bass guitar work.

"Retropolis" concludes the live album wonderfully with Roine Stolt high register notes guitar solo backed with symphonic rhythm section. Jonas provides excellent bass lines during musical break. The original version of this song is excellent and this live instrumental version is a great companion for a change. It's really excellent.

Overall, this is an excellent trip of the band's exploration into instrumental work based on their original version. As I have claimed myself as a fan of The Flower Kings whom I think is a band consistent in their music direction, I consider "Brimstoned In Europe" is an excellent addition to any prog music collection that I have. Highly recommended for those who love The Flower Kings and not recommended for newbie. Newbie should purchase "Stardust We Are" or "Flower Power" or "Retropolis" first before enjoying this adventure. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

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