STARDUST WE ARE

This was my introduction to The Flower Kings, and what a fantastic way to start. This is a simply stunning album. It is as melodic an album as I have heard from the band, although that is not to say there is no complexity. I found the album very easy to get into, and loved it from the first spin.

Some people accuse the band of sounding like Yes, KC or Genesis. I just do not agree. Whilst they have their influences, TFK have their own sound that to me is instantly recognisable. For me, they are the finest modern progressive rock band.

As this is a lengthy double disc effort, I will simply pick out some highlights. Disc 1 is brilliant throughout, and opens with the barnstorming In The Eyes of The World, which is typical Flower Kings, melodic, dramatic and very symphonic. The instrumental section in Just This Once is outstanding. The orchestral splendour of Church of Your Heart always moves me, as does the dark and edgy Circus Brimstone; the musicianship throughout is top notch. Disc 1 closes with the haunting and beautiful Compassion.

Disc 2 is less consistent, but the best tracks are spellbinding. The short Pipes of Peace is a lovely intro. The Merrygoround is my favourite short track by the band. Stolt's guitar solo at the end is incredible. After 2 or 3 not so good songs, we have the piece de resistance, the title track. This is a s good as any epic I've heard by ANY band, and I include Close To The Edge, Dogs, Suppers Ready et al. This epic is simply magnificent, with the most beautiful melodies, gorgeous themes and dramatic instrumental and vocal passages. This piece provides all I could ever want from 25 minutes of music.

If you are a Flower Kings fan that does not own this album, you must get it. You will love it. I certainly do, it is probably their best album.

For me, this is easily a 5-star album. No symphonic prog collection is complete without it