FANCLUB CD 2004

I have a friend who is a real FK fanatic. So much so that he became an official member and got some exclusive stuff the band only released for them. I borrowed from him this CD sent to fans in 2004. And it still amazes me how such prolific band still had so much non previously issued material to fulfill 45+ minutes of original tunes. Of course one does not expect first rate stuff from those non commercial CDs. Yet, I can´t really figure out how they can write, arrange, rehearse, record and mix such vast quantities of complex tunes. (and they still have side projects!)

Anyway, back to CD itself: as expected here most songs must be leftovers from various sessions around the time (2004). There are obvious instrumental jams like the 13 minute opener Space Traveler, some inside jokes (Mr. Hope goes to Africa), and a couple of surprisingly heavy songs (the almost metal Psychonaut and the heavy/hard blues of My Poor Brain, where Hasse Froberg does his best Robert Plant impersonation). There are of course some worthy material (the aforementioned Time Traveler) and some self indulgence (Mr. Hope Goes to Circus), but I found that most of the time the CD to be more interesting than really good. I can´t really see any of those songs featuring on any official group release. So, if you like The Flower Kings there is no need to hush to din this album. On the other hand, if you´re fanatical about them and got to have anything they put out, even the weakest stuff, then maybe you should join their official fan club (if you´re not already in it).

More a curio than anything else, this CD is for fans and collectors indeed. And is rated accordingly.