Progarchives, the progressive rock ultimate discography
Spock's Beard - The Kindness of Strangers CD (album) cover

THE KINDNESS OF STRANGERS

Spock's Beard

 

Symphonic Prog

3.75 | 548 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

ZowieZiggy
Prog Reviewer
2 stars Nothing really new under the Spock's sun, I'm afraid.

Maybe a harder YesAttack at times, but as soon as the vocals enter the scene, some dull feeling is invading me like during "The Good Don't Last Too Long" (which lasts for about ten minutes but fortunately it features some fine instrumental parts). It sounds as if the band wanted to throw every bits and bites in here to be compared to the great "Yes". Cliché, my prog friends. But enjoyable music (but those vocals.).

Since both bands started the same year, it is difficult to tell who of TFK or Spock's Beard copied one another; but their music is quite similar ("In The Mouth of Madness").

Spock's are passing from the mellowish to death and dull "June" to a heavy and energetic "Strange World". Different but not great. Again, the shouting vocals aren't the best one can experience.

At this stage, there are only two more long songs which could save the album. The funky / jazzy "Harm's Way" is not one of them even if the second half is more of the symphonic and enjoyable vein but fully YesAlike (nothing new, I told you.).

The closing "Flow" is completely derivative: same strong bass, same guitar sounds, same type of vocal harmonies. For about sixteen minutes.It is true to say that there are some fine moments included in here (mainly guitar breaks) but this song is overlong and lacks of flow.

Unlike most reviewers, this is my least preferred Beard's album so far. Two stars for some nice instrumental parts. But these vocals are not on par.

ZowieZiggy | 2/5 |

MEMBERS LOGIN ZONE

As a registered member (register here if not), you can post rating/reviews (& edit later), comments reviews and submit new albums.

You are not logged, please complete authentication before continuing (use forum credentials).

Forum user
Forum password

Share this SPOCK'S BEARD review

Social review comments () BETA







Review related links

Copyright Prog Archives, All rights reserved. | Legal Notice | Privacy Policy | Advertise | RSS + syndications

Other sites in the MAC network: JazzMusicArchives.com — jazz music reviews and archives | MetalMusicArchives.com — metal music reviews and archives

Donate monthly and keep PA fast-loading and ad-free forever.