The Flower Kings - Islands (Out Now)

Ok, I admit, I was wrong about this band. I've never been a fan of this group and I've been vocal about that here on PA. But wow, this album is gorgeous! I don't know what it is, but the sound and songs presented here all really resonate with me, beautiful melodic prog. Despite a long album length, the songs are all really easy to listen to while still maintaining that aspect of complexity and nonconventional song structure that we all love in this genre. Beautiful work and I'd be surprised if this didn't make my end of the year top 3, this one has me strangely emotional 

Gonna bump this, what's everyone's thoughts? I'm gonna order the LP i'm loving this.

I do like this album especially the 'sound' of it. It has proper spacing of instruments and none of that horrible compression that is so prevalent in many modern prog albums. The drumming and bass work is especially great. My only question is whether it really needed to be a double? Strong album though and very nice artwork and packaging. Will certainly be in my top five albums for the year (Deep Purple, Wobbler, Glass Hammer and IO Earth being the others) and that's never happened before!

richardh wrote: I do like this album especially the 'sound' of it. It has proper spacing of instruments and none of that horrible compression that is so prevalent in many modern prog albums. The drumming and bass work is especially great. My only question is whether it really needed to be a double? Strong album though and very nice artwork and packaging. Will certainly be in my top five albums for the year (Deep Purple, Wobbler, Glass Hammer and IO Earth being the others) and that's never happened before!

 

I've had this album a week now and played it twice. What surprises me is the amount of orchestra on the new album. First impression is it's not as good as the previous album, but there's so much music to listen to it'll take time to assess. That people could write reviews of the album so soon after it's released I think is a bit premature. It's not the sort of album to take in after a couple of listens. However some people get music very quickly while others need time to get it. I'm in the latter category.

iluvmarillion wrote: I've had this album a week now and played it twice. What surprises me is the amount of orchestra on the new album. First impression is it's not as good as the previous album, but there's so much music to listen to it'll take time to assess. That people could write reviews of the album so soon after it's released I think is a bit premature. It's not the sort of album to take in after a couple of listens. However some people get music very quickly while others need time to get it. I'm in the latter category.

Big fan. Love TFK's and Islands is another terrific album from a man that doesn't ever disappoint - Roine Stolt.