PERISCOPE LIFE

Introvert?

"Periscope life" is another competent collection of pop based songs, with simplistic structures, and straight forward instrumentation. The diversity of previous albums is maintained, perhaps even enhanced, although the 10CC/City Boy similarities are still very much to the fore.

There's a bit more emphasis on funkier sounds this time, especially on the Jim Capaldi like "Stop that song", the prosaic "Beggars can't be choosers", and the Billy Joel pop of the title track. The album improves substantially towards the end, the final four tracks being the most notable.

The instrumental "Lost blue of Chartres" has some fine Tony Banks like piano, while "Anne" moves through various atmospheres including medieval, stage show, and a sing-along 60's sad ballad sound. "One way or another" is reminiscent of "Stackridge", leading to the Bees Gees/Hollies influenced closing ballad "Sad to say farewell". The orchestration and simple guitar solo on this track serve to enhance the retro pop atmosphere.

As a whole, there are just too many average pop rock tracks here to distinguish the album from its many peers. The overall feel is of a band playing so far within themselves, they redefine the meaning of the word introvert.

This album is in line with most of the band's work.

Pleasant and easy listening prog-pop music. Crafted vocal harmonies, nice melodies, performing keys by Ton Scherpenheuvel and a global fine feeling.

But this has already been the case for several albums and actually, it is a bit of the same meal which is served here. Record after record. My absolute fave from "Kayak" being their debut of course, which was followed by a bunch of good albums.

I would include this one on the same level even if there are hardly one great song included. But there aren't any poor ones either, so!

It is hard to write a long review about this album: the music is simple, at times catchy (mostly vocals) and very much easy listening. Just grab a bunch of friends around the fireplace, get another bunch of drinks, talk about nice souvenirs and here you go!

Quite a decent work finally. Three stars.

Kayak in 1980 with Periscope life. You wonder what Kayak was doing in early '80's, well good I might say, they keep the same formula and the music is another example of a good Kayak album, no more no less. The music on the base is pop prog with a good doze of mainstrem elements but not a comercial album IMO, kinda easy listning at first time, but in the end is a typical Kayak album, that is a good thing. Same manner of composing, same vocal choruses brings to the listner a pleasent album, to me was another ex of worthy investment in their music. The forte tracks are What's in aname, excellent piece full of great musicianship and intristing keybords, Periscope life , Astral aliens and the great instrumental Lost blue of Chartres with a Genesis touch here and there, mainly prog pop but well produce and played. By this period Kayak remind me a lot of Machiavel (who were with Urban games ) on the market, but aswell Styx or Supertramp. So another worthy album from Kayak catalogue, 3 stars, again good one but less intristing for ex then Duke or Drama, who were miles ahead in terms of progressive rock in that period.

For sure this seventh album is not the best from Kayak as there are not so many masterpiece songs taken from this one. As far of the way I define Kayak, it's basically a pop rock band with some elements of prog that makes them in the prog scene. The strenght of Kayak music is in most of their melodies as many tracks they have produced have very strong and memorable melodies with great vocal harmony. As for this album there are two masterpiece songs: "Anne" which has a very good vibe and flow, plus - of course - memorable melody. The other one is the ballad "Sad to Say Farewell" which has become my personal favorite of all time. It's great in terms of vocal as well as how the piano blends together in the music. I really consider this album still worth as personal collection especially for those melody-maniac. Keep on proggin' ...! Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW