FREAKS OF NATURE

Freaks Of Nature is the only studio album of original material that Kansas released during the 1990's. In sits between 1988's In The Spirit Of Things and 2000's Somewhere To Elsewhere in their discography. Hearing this album it is clear from the start that it was a determinate step away from what the band was doing in the 80's and a step back towards the 70's. The violin is reinstated as a dominant part of the sound of Kansas (while previous albums had been without that instrument). It is however not Robbie Steinhardt that plays the violin but David Ragsdale.

Another thing to note is that Freaks Of Nature rocks harder than we are used to from Kansas. The album came out on the Magna Carta label which held many bands from the burgeoning progressive Metal scene. This album is however more Heavy Prog than Metal and actually reminds of bands like Uriah Heep and Deep Purple. The album is rather guitar dominated with keyboards taking a back seat and organ and piano being the main keyboard instruments involved.

The songs are well written and melodious but unfortunately not memorable enough to elevate this album beyond just good. Nothing is of low quality, but there are no real standout tracks or gems here either. Long time fans of the band will not be disappointed with Freaks Of Nature, but I doubt that this album will create any new converts to the band.

Share this KANSAS review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to SouthSideoftheSky
• Report this review (#192682)
• Buy KANSAS music online with PA partners
• Show all KANSAS MP3/Stream
• Go to KANSAS page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Freaks Of Nature page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for KANSAS related discussions