ISLANDS

'Islands' is the fourteenth studio album by The Flower Kings, not to be confused with the King Crimson album of the same title. 'Islands' is a COVID record, hence the title. Roine Stolt has claimed that 'Islands' is meant to be regarded as one, giant suite of music. However, the tracklist of 'Islands' indicates that the album comprises multiple, independent songs. The Flower Kings are known for writing lengthy epics. 'Islands' consists of concise songs, which is a breath of fresh air. I was disappointed by the previous Flower Kings record, 'Waiting for Miracles.' When I contemplated the iconic Roger Dean album artwork, I had some hope (from the album art alone) that 'Islands' could be a return to form for The Flower Kings. I'm pleased to say that what I hoped for was true.

The album opens with the incendiary "Racing with Blinders On." A pulsating 7/8 rhythm section, provided by Jonas Reingold's powerful bass and Mirkko DeMaio's acrobatic drums, lays the groundwork. Roine Stolt's guitar and Zach Kamins' keyboards play intricate melodies on top of the rhythm section. The vocals appear during the second half. I love the lyric, "Don't let the sadness grow and grab you. Don't let it take away that dream." "From the Ground" is a jovial song that I can't help but feel good listening to. "Black Swan" is a Queen pastiche. Roine Stolt's harmonizing guitars sound exactly like Brian May. Even the music of the verse reminds me of "Killer Queen."

"Morning News" is a simple song with a country twang. I like the classical guitar licks that are sprinkled throughout. The lyrics of "Broken" use the template, "Too many (this), too many (that)." The music resolves to the Yes-like chorus in 5/4. "Goodbye Outrage" is a classical piece that Stolt co-wrote with Kamins. Despite being less than two-minutes in duration, "Journeyman" is a highlight of 'Islands.' "Journeyman" is an instrumental that was written by Kamins. On this interlude, The Flower Kings hark back to the jazz fusion elements of 'Unfold the Future.' Like "Goodbye Outrage," Stolt also co-wrote "Tangerine" with Kamins. "Tangerine" has an irresistible groove and excellent bass playing from Reingold.

I adore the orchestral section of "Solaris" that culminates in a mellotron choir. There is a musical reference to "Stardust We Are" at the end of "Solaris." "Heart of the Valley" references the main lyric of "Morning News." Roine Stolt plays a climactic guitar solo on the instrumental entitled "Man in a Two Piece Suit," which closes the first disc of 'Islands.'

The second disc opens with a Hasse Fröberg piece entitled "All I Need Is Love." This is a great melodic pop/rock song that is incredibly catchy, despite having a chorus that's in 7/8. The vocals and instrumental of "All I Need Is Love" are both equally phenomenal. "A New Species" is similar to "Ascending to the Stars" from the previous record, in that it's an instrumental that utilizes orchestra programming. "A New Species" starts with atmospheric synths and an arpeggiated classical guitar. Eventually, the song becomes electric and allows each musician to shine. The yearning lyrics and beautiful melodies of "Northern Lights" make it a highlight of 'Islands.' Most of the song is in 7/8, but it's fairly simple.

Like "Journeyman," "Hidden Angels" is a brief, instrumental jazz interlude that was written by Kamins, and is the precursor to "Serpentine." Rob Townsend, who I know from Steve Hackett's band, plays soprano saxophone on "Serpentine." Townsend's saxophone playing elevates this song significantly. During the "Make it happen" lyric, the time signature shifts from 10/8 to 11/8. "Looking for Answers" is an instrumental that features a guitar solo from Stolt. "Telescope" borrows the lyrical motif ("the world is opening like a rose") from "Morning News." "Telescope" also features a guitar solo from Stolt.

"Fool's Gold" reinvigorates the second disc a bit, though it's not the most memorable. "Between Hope & Fear" is pleasant, but considering that it's the penultimate track, I was expecting a song that was more intense. The closing title track starts, fortunately, feels like a proper ending to 'Islands.' The title track is a grandiose instrumental that somewhat reminds me of the ending to "I Am the Sun." The music is slow and powerful, and Stolt's lead guitar work is extraordinary as always.

In conclusion, 'Islands' is an excellent addition to any prog rock music collection. The first disc and the beginning of the second disc are very strong. 'Islands' loses a bit of steam towards the end. Therefore, I will rate 'Islands' four stars.