Kansas - The Absence of Presence
Printed From: Progarchives.com
Category: Progressive Music Lounges
Forum Name: Prog Polls
Forum Description: Create polls on topics related to progressive music
URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=122542
Printed Date: July 19 2025 at 20:16
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Kansas - The Absence of Presence
Posted By: Enchant X
Subject: Kansas - The Absence of Presence
Date Posted: March 21 2020 at 02:45
It's hard for me to determine what to expect from the title of Kansas new album "The Absence of Presence" (according to RYM) and since nobody has heard a note yet, I was wondering based on the title what style you expect, what direction Kansas will take ?  I understand nobody has a crystal ball but I'm just curious in what you vote for.
|
Replies:
Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: March 21 2020 at 02:50
if it's like the previous one, i'm good 
|
Posted By: SouthSideoftheSky
Date Posted: March 21 2020 at 05:31
|
Great news! Where can one pre-order? |
Posted By: Mormegil
Date Posted: March 21 2020 at 06:09
|
Going with slightly progressive. ------------- Welcome to the middle of the film. |
Posted By: Manuel
Date Posted: March 21 2020 at 07:02
Me too.
|
Cristi wrote:Posted By: dougmcauliffe
Date Posted: March 21 2020 at 07:19
|
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=w-YbUbL_tQc&feature=youtu.be The album cover can be seen in this video, it looks like this one is gonna be a progger ------------- The sun has left the sky... ...Now you can close your eyes |
Posted By: SouthSideoftheSky
Date Posted: March 21 2020 at 09:35
|
Nice to see that Tom Brislin will be the keyboard player on this album. He has previously played live with Yes, Camel, and Renaissance, and now is in Kansas - four of my favourite bands he's been in! |
Posted By: Logan
Date Posted: March 21 2020 at 10:41
|
Perhaps it will be a tribute to Led Zeppelin consisting of Led Zeppelin covers from all but one of Zep's albums. So somewhat of a related to a prog related album perhaps? Presence was one of Zep's proggiest, methinks, so to leave it out, I'm just not sure. ------------- Watching while most appreciating a sunset in the moment need not diminish all the glorious sunsets I have observed before. It can be much like that with music for me. |
Posted By: Enchant X
Date Posted: March 21 2020 at 18:39
|
Posted By: SouthSideoftheSky
Date Posted: March 22 2020 at 12:31
|
Some more info from http://www.insideoutmusic.com/newsdetailed.aspx?IdNews=24053&IdCompany=8" rel="nofollow - https://www.insideoutmusic.com/newsdetailed.aspx?IdNews=24053&IdCompany=8
|
Posted By: Enchant X
Date Posted: March 23 2020 at 01:19
|
http://www.insideoutmusic.com/artist.aspx?IdArtist=432" rel="nofollow - http://www.insideoutmusic.com/artist.aspx?IdArtist=432 (The Albums Cover art, click on it to make it bigger for more detail) THE ABSENCE OF PRESENCE JUN 2020 Ltd. Deluxe CD+Blu-ray Artbook, Ltd. CD Digipak, Gatefold black 2LP+CD & Digital |
Posted By: Man With Hat
Date Posted: March 23 2020 at 16:59
|
Being it's Kansas, I expect it not to be very good. ;) ------------- Dig me...But don't...Bury me I'm running still, I shall until, one day, I hope that I'll arrive Warning: Listening to jazz excessively can cause a laxative effect. |
Posted By: Enchant X
Date Posted: March 23 2020 at 19:01
|
Posted By: foregonillusions
Date Posted: March 24 2020 at 12:49
|
Here's a large version (almost 18MB!) of the cover art: http://www.kansasband.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/TAOP-Vinyl-front-cover.jpg" rel="nofollow - www.kansasband.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/TAOP-Vinyl-front-cover.jpg |
Posted By: Logan
Date Posted: March 24 2020 at 13:11
|
While my Led Zeppelin joke unsurprisingly dropped like a lead balloon -- a lead zeppelin one might even say -- I'd say that cover indicates a pretty progressive album, perhaps in the vein of Eloy. It also does bring to mind earlier Kansas covers. My guess is that it will be a not terribly progressive album in the truest sense, but more of a Symphonic Prog/ AOR crossover kind of album (nothing really re-inventing the wheel so to speak or out there). I expect it to be on the melodic rock side, not really experimental, quite possibly with some hard rock aspects (maybe a ballad in there). It would cool if this is a completely new direction, but that would be doubtful as Kansas is probably too long in the tooth to reinvent itself as, say, Kansas Mark 2: A Jazz Odyssey. Then again, Kansas did name an earlier album "Always Never the Same". I'm just guessing as someone who doesn't listen to Kansas (tried various things and owned one album), but I've often thought that you really can very often judge a book by its cover. EDIT: SO I voted for the "It to be AOR & progressive" option, but not meaning progressive in the sense of advancement so much, and by AOR I refer to forms of melodic rock. ------------- Watching while most appreciating a sunset in the moment need not diminish all the glorious sunsets I have observed before. It can be much like that with music for me. |
Posted By: SouthSideoftheSky
Date Posted: March 24 2020 at 13:31
|
It is of course impossible to say what an album is going to be like from only the title and the cover art. The last album was good, but I think the upcoming one might be even better. Especially as this line-up, with slight changes, have had a chance to mature. And some young blood incorporated into the band as well; Tom Brislin is very talented. So, given that Kansas is one of my favourite bands, I'd say I expect it to be very good indeed. |
Posted By: dougmcauliffe
Date Posted: March 24 2020 at 14:02
|
That cover art is sweet, might be better without the Kansas logo tbh ------------- The sun has left the sky... ...Now you can close your eyes |
Posted By: Enchant X
Date Posted: March 24 2020 at 20:29
|
Posted By: Guldbamsen
Date Posted: March 25 2020 at 00:54
|
Just looking at the cover art I’d say that it is an upcoming space rock album. More than anything it looks psychedelic. This may just turn out to be the Kansas album that won me over  ------------- “The Guide says there is an art to flying or rather a knack. The knack lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss.” - Douglas Adams |
Posted By: gr8dane
Date Posted: March 30 2020 at 09:30
|
Samples on Kansas' facebook page. ------------- Shake & bake. |
Posted By: Braka1
Date Posted: March 30 2020 at 11:15
|
Haven't heard it, but since you bring it up, 'Presence' is the one Led Zep album I've never owned. You see the impending pun...? ------------- Believe me Pope Paul, my toes are clean |
Posted By: SouthSideoftheSky
Date Posted: March 30 2020 at 11:50
Wow! Sounds promising. I will be pre-ordering the CD for sure. |
Posted By: Enchant X
Date Posted: March 31 2020 at 04:23
|
Here's the link to hear some of the New recording samples from the new album by Kansas, I hope you enjoy it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjIX7SC0nQM" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjIX7SC0nQM
|
Posted By: Slartibartfast
Date Posted: March 31 2020 at 07:56
|
The title sounds like Somewhere To Elsewhere in which case it will be very progressive. Oooh thanks for the link to samples. ------------- Released date are often when it it impacted you but recorded dates are when it really happened... 
|
Posted By: dougmcauliffe
Date Posted: March 31 2020 at 08:12
|
I know I shouldn't judge, but nothing about those samples jumps out to me. Drums sound super flat, vocals sound autotuned, production as a whole sounds kinda lifeless... Ill wait for the full album, but i'm not holding my breath. ------------- The sun has left the sky... ...Now you can close your eyes |
Posted By: Enchant X
Date Posted: March 31 2020 at 21:19
|
The little bits I've heard in these samples sound great ! (to my ears anyway) I am pre ordering this CD for sure.
|
Posted By: foregonillusions
Date Posted: April 02 2020 at 14:15
|
I agree that the drums sound anemic in the mix. Everything else sounds pretty good though. But, I guess we'll have to wait for the full album's release. |
Posted By: Catcher10
Date Posted: April 02 2020 at 14:23
|
Progressive?? That's funny.....it will be AOR or hopefully Disco, that would be progressive. -------------   
|
Posted By: Enchant X
Date Posted: April 03 2020 at 01:15
 I do understand what you mean but I don't agree with it  I was just hoping Kansas fans were excited in learning about this new album, that was the desired point to this poll , just to inform people who respect Kansas ( I wasn't expecting some of the comments certain people have made). I'll think twice before making any new polls.
|
Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: April 03 2020 at 04:06
he's just kidding, please continue creating polls
|
Posted By: SouthSideoftheSky
Date Posted: April 03 2020 at 04:22
Well, yeah, no reason to stop making polls just because some people make unnecessary negative comments. However, an announcement about a new album would probably best be made, not as a poll, but as a simple post in the news and press releases section. |
Posted By: Juan K
Date Posted: April 10 2020 at 09:29
|
I love classic Kansas but I didn't like at all the previous album ... and I loved Somewhere to Elsewhere ... I really don't have much expectations for this new album, but I'd love to be wrong (at least I'd hear it to judge by myself) |
Posted By: richardh
Date Posted: April 11 2020 at 02:31
That could almost be my favourite Kansas album if the debut didn't exist. Steve Walsh are perhaps a little bit too gravelly and that might be what puts people off but I enjoy it immensely despite that.
|
Posted By: dougmcauliffe
Date Posted: April 11 2020 at 09:15
|
I agree that the debut is the best but closely followed by SFA. Somewhere to Elsewhere has 5 or so really good proggy songs but the rest is just mediocre blues rock that has me scratching my head. ------------- The sun has left the sky... ...Now you can close your eyes |
Posted By: Rednight
Date Posted: April 11 2020 at 10:21
|
At this point, who cares? ------------- "It just has none of the qualities of your work that I find interesting. Abandon [?] it." - Eno |
Posted By: richardh
Date Posted: April 12 2020 at 01:59
5 or so is not bad  Song For America is my favourite track by Kansas and still one of the most original Symph prog tracks I've ever heard. The whole album I'm less sure about although it's still above 90% of what they did imo.
|
Posted By: dougmcauliffe
Date Posted: April 12 2020 at 02:08
|
^ I agree that SFA is a absolutely perfect symphonic prog track. On somewhere to elsewhere I love Icarus 2, Myriad, The Coming Dawn and Distant Vision a lot, I wish the whole album was kinda up that alley. ------------- The sun has left the sky... ...Now you can close your eyes |
Posted By: dougmcauliffe
Date Posted: April 12 2020 at 02:10
|
Also I recently registered to Prelude Implicit, forgot how solid that album was. Love with this heart a lot, brings back some good memories. ------------- The sun has left the sky... ...Now you can close your eyes |
Posted By: Enchant X
Date Posted: April 12 2020 at 07:19
|
I think because Kansas are about to release a new album I've been listening a lot to Prelude Implicit ... its a strong release I only hope the new album is as good
|
Posted By: SouthSideoftheSky
Date Posted: April 12 2020 at 09:49
|
The previous three decades have witnessed only one new Kansas studio album of original material per decade: Freaks of Nature in the 1990's; Somewhere to Elsewhere in the 2000's; The Prelude Implicit in the 2010's. And now the upcoming The Absence of Presence in the 2020's. With so few albums, this is surely fantastic news. |
Posted By: Bluesman27
Date Posted: April 12 2020 at 23:03
|
You can now check out 5 song samples & see what you think. I'll give you the details you can make your own decision to me it sounds great here goes: InsideOutMusicTV |
Posted By: Bluesman27
Date Posted: April 12 2020 at 23:05
|
You can now check out 5 song samples at this address type in the bands name & title at InsideOutMusicTV. |
Posted By: dougmcauliffe
Date Posted: April 17 2020 at 08:51
|
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMOX5rSFb18" rel="nofollow - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMOX5rSFb18 First Single ------------- The sun has left the sky... ...Now you can close your eyes |
Posted By: Enchant X
Date Posted: April 18 2020 at 05:49
|
Posted By: hellogoodbye
Date Posted: April 18 2020 at 05:51
A nice title that suits perfectly to the band 
|
Posted By: Enchant X
Date Posted: April 18 2020 at 17:26
| I watched the video a second time my feelings have changed a little bit I enjoyed some parts of this song particularly the guitar and violin soloing. |
Posted By: SouthSideoftheSky
Date Posted: April 19 2020 at 03:49
|
Sounds good! The singer, Ronnie Platt, looks like Chevy Chase
|
Posted By: Enchant X
Date Posted: April 19 2020 at 15:59
|
Just going by the 'single' released if that's the single... this album is going to be Very progressive
|
Posted By: dougmcauliffe
Date Posted: July 17 2020 at 03:16
|
The Album has been released, listening now. Post your thoughts here ------------- The sun has left the sky... ...Now you can close your eyes |
Posted By: Grumpyprogfan
Date Posted: July 17 2020 at 07:34
|
Posted By: SouthSideoftheSky
Date Posted: July 17 2020 at 13:10
I haven't heard it yet, but surely you mean that Spock's Beard sound like Kansas rather than the other way around? |
Posted By: SouthSideoftheSky
Date Posted: July 17 2020 at 13:21
|
Wow! The band's official YouTube channel already shares the whole album on the release date. This is soo cool, now I can listen to the music while waiting for my CD to arrive. Thank you Kansas! |
Posted By: dougmcauliffe
Date Posted: July 17 2020 at 13:40
You're not the first person i've seen draw that comparison, I can def see it, though I think the other person I saw say something like that compared it to the Neal Morse Band. I agree, first two songs are the best, the rest is decent, I can see it growing on me for sure. I really dig the ending of The Song The River Sang and I wish it didn't cut out so soon. My only complaints are that I think the album is mixed a little loud and I think the drums could be further developed. Many times they just play too steady rather than play around the other instruments parts. Also, too much production on the vocals at times.
------------- The sun has left the sky... ...Now you can close your eyes |
Posted By: Man With Hat
Date Posted: July 17 2020 at 21:21
|
Pretty poor. ------------- Dig me...But don't...Bury me I'm running still, I shall until, one day, I hope that I'll arrive Warning: Listening to jazz excessively can cause a laxative effect. |
Posted By: richardh
Date Posted: July 18 2020 at 00:24
| I really like it. Now if ever there was a band that is not in the least shy to show what it's about then its Kansas. They are like the ZZ Top of prog. The up front violin ,stuttering rhythms and anthemic themes are all loud and proud. Very enjoyable indeed if not remotely 'progressive' really. |
Posted By: Sacro_Porgo
Date Posted: July 18 2020 at 16:52
Just because it's not progressive now doesn't mean it wasn't progressive when they first came around, especially for a US band. And just because it's not progressive doesn't mean it's not prog. ------------- Porg for short. My love of music doesn't end with prog! Feel free to discuss all sorts of music with me. Odds are I'll give it a chance if I haven't already! :) |
Posted By: SouthSideoftheSky
Date Posted: July 19 2020 at 10:48
|
Is the title track a more religious song than anything on Vinyl Confessions?  |
Posted By: richardh
Date Posted: July 20 2020 at 00:50
I actually don't care whether the music is 'progressive' or not. It was a rather spurious comment so I'm happy to take it back
|
Posted By: Sacro_Porgo
Date Posted: July 20 2020 at 01:35
Oh that's fine. Honestly I think I misinterpreted your post when I responded to it and came off a little more combative than I should have. Sorry bout that. I don't really care whether music is "progressive" or not either, as long as I like it! ------------- Porg for short. My love of music doesn't end with prog! Feel free to discuss all sorts of music with me. Odds are I'll give it a chance if I haven't already! :) |