MONOLITH

This one has more classic rock than prog on it (compared to previous albums) but I have no problem with this as the prog ingridient is still present (just with different proportions) and this album is full of familiar Kansas sound. So I consider it a part of Kansas classic albums run. I initialy had to use to their blend of styles. Beeing a fan of british type of prog I was struggling to like Kansas' strong american rock flavour put to it. But once I learned to like and apreciate their unique style I'm happy as long as they deliver their trademark sound. And You immediately know it's Kansas from the first note of the album 'till the last. It's true I would like to hear a smartly composed epic or two, preferably with a lot of violin (just like it was typical of them earlier), but I still like this one enough to spin it and enjoy it when I'm in Kansas mood. I may not love it but I really like it. It's still good old Kansas here, the band like no other. 3,5 stars rounded up to 4 for pulling the overall note a bit higher to make this one a justice.