SPACE REVOLVER

I'm actually surprised this album isn't rated higher. I've been a fan of The Flower Kings for a couple years now, but haven't gotten my hands on a copy of Space Revolver until this week. Once I got it, I put my headphones on, laid back, and experienced what I think is probably TFK's tightest album since Back in the World of Adventures.

When I hear people complain about TFK, they say they're sick of the rambling longer compositions peppered with shorter filler songs. They really avoided that with Space Revolver, giving us a two-part epic I Am the Sun to open and close the album. What you'll find in between is, if you ask me, a collection of some of the best shorter length songs (as well as the lengthier Monster Within) I've heard from TFK.

Musically there was never a time on this album where I thought what were they thinking? I love their other efforts, but it seems like the brilliance was always slightly hampered by some kind of questionable musical decisions. I never had one of those moments with Space Revolver, and I don't think that has happened since Back in the World of Adventures.

The balance between the instruments and the production on Space Revolver is great. It seems like each member is at the top of their game - not that it's any different on their other albums, but this time around I feel like not only are they at the top of their game, but the interaction between all of the members is also at its best.

So I have to give this 5 stars - I might agree that some of TFK's work is not masterpiece material, but this being my possible favorite and the fact that TFK are one of the biggest prog acts around, I'd say Space Revolver is an essential listen.