SPACE REVOLVER

3.5 stars.Enter new bassist Jonas Reingold who is given plenty of moments to shine. After two double albums in a row they come back with this single disc that is over 76 minutes in length. I don't think this is as good as "Back In The World Of Adventures" or "Stardust We Are" but it certainly has some variety and a new direction, as well as one of my favourite songs by them called "A Kings Prayer". I just feel that like on "Retropolis" there are several songs I would classify as average.

"I Am The Sun (Part One)" has an atmospheric intro before synths and drums come in. Some heavy riffing (comes and goes) for them just before the vocals arrive after 2 minutes. Bass is prominant. Mellotron is as well. Some good sax melodies 4 1/2 minutes in. Violin 6 minutes with Christmas sounds to follow. Some dissonant melodies after 8 minutes. And were only half way through the song. "Dream On Dreamer" is slow paced and spacey with soft vocals and sax melodies. Not a fan. Lots of sax actually, and bass. "Rumble Fish Twist" is my second favourite song on here. It opens with cheering and pounding drums. The guitar is great. Quite the bass solo 2 1/2 minutes in. More cheering. It all calms down 4 minutes in. Mellotron 6 minutes in followed by some beautiful guitar melodies.

"Monster Within" opens with piano and synths, it all seems so heavenly when the sound turns heavy with a sinister laugh for effect. The words are almost spoken. I love the mellotron before 4 minutes. The organ is well done too. "Chicken Farmer Song" is a fun, uptempo tune with harmonies.The guitar / drum melody 3 1/2 minutes in is the highlight. "Underdog" opens with sampled bagpipes. Not a fan of this one either. The guitar is terrific after 3 1/2 minutes. It gets heavy before 5 minutes. "You Don't Know What You've Got" places the focus on the vocals (Hans) as the guitar is strummed. The worst track on here. "Slave To Money" has it's moments. Most of them later in the song with that lazy, bluesy guitar solo that goes on and on. It is joined by Hammond organ. "A Kings Prayer" as I metioned is my fav. It is so uplifting. My God ! The lyrics are so incredibly meaningful.The guitar solo builds until it's on fire. "I Am The Sun (Part Two)" opens with acoustic guitar as the birds are chirping. Gentle vocals come in. Nice sax solo. Mellotron after 4 minutes.Cool song.

Another good one from THE FLOWER KINGS that is filled with positive lyrics and fantastic playing.