THE GUIDE

KEN'S NOVEL are a Neo-Prog band from Belgium and "The Guide" is their debut released in 1999. This is a concept album and the focus is on the vocals and concept. Interesting that the singer to me sounds a lot like the TILES vocalist.

"The Guide" opens with waves, sea gulls, and a creaking boat.The music kicks in at 1 1/2 minutes. Vocals 2 minutes in and a full sound before 3 minutes. It settles some before 5 minutes and the tempo shifts often the rest of the way. "Guilty Witnesses" has this heavy beat that settles when the vocals arrive with synths. Contrasts continue. Nice guitar after 3 1/2 minutes,synths follow. "Homeland" features these melancholic synths that come and go. Reserved vocals take over with light drums and organ. It kicks in at 2 1/2 minutes. Nice. Love the passionate vocals and the heaviness 3 minutes in. "Power And Dignity" opens with percussion and other sounds. Synths and minor riffs follow with vocals. The tempo continues to change. Chunky bass 6 1/2 minutes in.

"Be Yourself Again" opens with nature sounds and percussion. Vocals before 1 1/2 minutes as it kicks in. The tempo continues to change. "Thorny Present" is a short song of acoustic guitar and reserved vocals. "Rumour Of War" is ok, i'm not a fan of the vocals on the chorus though. "Shielded?" opens with piano and drums, bass and synths follow. The sound gets fuller as vocals arrive after 1 1/2 minutes. Guitar solo a minute later. A Spanish vibe follows then themes are repeated. "In Disgrace" is a short experimental track. "A Matter Of Pride" opens with piano as acoustic guitar and reserved vocals eventually join in. It gets fuller reminding me of TILES. Contrasts continue.

Barely 3 stars.