I've to say beforehand that I've never been a fan of this particular band. Actually I
did not hear of them before a couple of years ago. I purchased their debut here in
review for the reason that I quite liked it after a few spins and because it's the
one coming closest to the sound of early releases by seminal Prog bands like Genesis
and Yes. Meanwhile nevertheless after listening to this album more often I come to
the conclusion that there are good reasons why Kayak never became better known and
stayed in the second row through all those years of their existence. The music here
is clearly inspired mainly by Yes (keyboards, guitar, bass, vocal harmonies) but as
well slightly by Banks' keyboard work. In "Lovely Luna" which is by far the best
track I can also hear hints to Gentle Giant, especially in the initial vocal part.
The biggest problem I'm having with most of their songs that they're just sounding to
poppy to my ears. It's more or less like listening to a light version of classic Yes
or Genesis, something I really don't have any need for I rather have problems with
the lack of rock and dominance of pomp than with the lack of catchy and memorable
melodies in classic symphonic Prog. Thus this band appears rather redundant to me but
that's just my personal subjective impression. Nonetheless this is overall a very
pleasant album and an enjoyable listen every now and then but I doubt a regular one.
The musicianship presented by the band members is really excellent and the vocals are
okay though I can't get crazy about them either. Lots of bombastic keyboard sound
that should please quite a few Prog fans and I can recommend this debut to anyone
looking for a poppier type of symphonic Prog. But I doubt that this one (as all
others from their catalogue) can be considered an essential addition to any Prog
collection.
hdfisch |3/5 |
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