WALL STREET VOODOO

Knowing of Roine Stolts previous work, I was expecting yet another happy Flower Kings sound,and with it being two CD's I was expecting somewhat of an epic, knowing that Roine has never done a 2 CD solo album before. After hearing the first track though, "The Observer" I could tell that I wasn't going to get the sound I was expecting. Im going to get something deeper than that, a side of Roine you rarely get to see. Whats actually happening around us? Whats making the world go round? The actual music is 60's/70's psychedelic rock, blues guitar, and maybe a pinch of funk in there. Some of the solo work is fantastic, with some great performances from all musicians. The lyrics have to be some of the strongest written by our Roine, but as hinted by myself earlier, this sounds like a more personnel album which moves well away from the usual Flower Kings material. My favourite track has to be "The Unwanted". It starts off with its bluesy sound, and you can't help feeling sorry for the man who Roine is singing about. This man keeps getting put down, a failing business man who keeps trying to hold his head up high. He eventually gives in, turns away from business and looks to God and, well, begs for mercy. Then the music switches, it turns to this, uplifting, mind expanding music which you can't help but let yourself go into. Dont expect your usual Flower Kings music here, but dont let that put you off buying this album. Personally, I think its Roines best solo work but also a great addition to anyones prog rock collection. I would love to give it a 5 star rating as it is a masterpiece. But its not a masterpiece of progressive rock, hence why Im giving it a 4.

Matty