NOTES FROM THE PAST

Kaipa made a strong comeback in 2002, with only two original members left, keyboardist Hans Lundin and guitarist Roine Stolt. Stolt brought along bassist Jonas Reingold from The Flower Kings, who, along with new drummer Agren, give this band a rhythm section as good as any band out there. lead singer Patrik Lundström adds a new dimension as well. His voice often sounds like Freddie Mercury, and sometimes like a less-shrill James LaBrie. A female vocalist does a nice job, but at times her accent gets a bit weird ("the road is winding" sounds like "the road is whiny").

Standout tracks are many on this one, but I greatly enjoy Night-Bike-Ride (on Lilac Street) , Leaving the horizon, The Name Belongs To You, the buzzsaw rocker Second Journey Inside The Green Glass, and the funky fusiony Morganism.

This is an excellent start to what has been the best period of this band's career.

4.5 stars.