THE ABSENCE OF PRESENCE

Even knowing the band for more than 30 years I never have been a great Kansas-Fan. But somehow THE ABSENCE OF PRESENCE caught me right away. I can't stop listening to it since it was released yesterday. I have the greatest respect for bands that can be faithful to their roots and sound fresh and new at the same time. And this after 45 years. Great technique meets great melodies. David Ragsdales violin parts are incredible. Everything fits, keyboards, violin, drumming, vocals (and chorus), actually the whole production as well as the cover. And for me, for the the first 4 song of the albums, specially Propulsion 1 the album is a Symphonic-Prog masterpiece. The fifth star was lost somewhere in the second half of the album. But nevertheless, I am listening to it for the tenth tine now (and counting)