ROYAL BED BOUNCER

Kayak was a major progressive rock group in the Netherlands. By combining the symphonic sound of the early seventies with some strong song-writing or even pop sensibilties the band also managed to reach some major charts successes, among whose is the title song of this album 'Royal Bed Bouncer'. With a renewed, and slightly over-compressed sound the band sounds more intense than before, especially on songs 'Chance for a Lifetime' and 'If this is Your Welcome'. The band excels in creating songs that switch between optimistic and melancholic, a trait which reminds some people of the Beatles. Moreoever, the comedic song 'You're so Bizarre' also sounds like a back-catalogue song by the Beatles. On piano-based songs like 'Life of Gold', 'Moments of Joy' and (my favorite) 'My Heart Never Changed' the band shows its rare talend of creating those warmest of harmonic/melodic songs. The high-pitched vocals of Max Werner have always sounded a bit strange, but at least Kayak is a band with an original sound and feel. On this album I actually prefer the ballads over the pumped-up heavier songs ? but that's mainly because of the production. Some of these tracks are live favorites. When comparing this album to my favorites ? Kayak's 'II' and 'The Last Encore' ? this album falls short on delivering that magical progressive vibe Kayak's music can have. The short ending song 'My Heart Never Changed' is however one of the most magical songs the band ever recorded. Three and halve stars for this one.