THE RAINMAKER

Once again, The Flower Kings have taken it upon themselves to remind us of the artistic vitality of classic progressive rock. "The Rainmaker" is 77 minutes of sprawling, ambitious, gently psychedelic artsiness in the grand prog traditions of early Yes and Genesis. Without betraying their retrospective vision, the band covers a wide sonic spectrum, ranging from sparse atmospherics to dense swirls, from slinky rock grooves to loosely structured jams. Standout tracks include the focused riff-rock punch of "Sword Of God," the moody balladry and free-ish jazz outro of "Elaine," the dramatic "Serious Dreamers," and the album's three 11+-minute prog epics, "Last Minute On Earth," "Road To Sanctuary," and "City Of Angels."

Every moment of "The Rainmaker" rings with artistic integrity and instrumental virtuosity -- it is progressive rock for true progheads, for listeners whose ears long ago stopped needing training wheels. It may not be distinctive or gripping enough to rate with the genre's elite albums, but it is pure, brilliantly polychromatic prog in its full kaleidoscopic glory, and if your mind is open enough, it's an enormously rewarding listen.