THE WAIT OF GLORY

This album has a more Kansas feel than the prior Before Became After. At least during the trio of the opening tracks. I have enjoyed Kansas as soon as in '74. As a fifteen years old Belgian fan (there were not many in those days, believe me), I never paid a particular attention to their lyrics and by the time Livgren converted to Christianity and integrated more and more of these elements into their work, I wasn't in Kansas any longer.

I rediscover the band at the turn of the century and read more about Livgren's orientation which I just don't share. To incorporate this into his music and preach amongst his fans is not an approach I can stand for. But I respect him as a great song writer of course.

While the previous Proto-Kaw album borrowed quite a lot to several prog giants, this one is more personal but I'm afraid that I am closer to Maani's opinion than from the one of the majority of my fellow reviewers.

Some tracks are working alright like the very good opener (Nevermore) but the AOR sounds are too many for my taste. There is a jazzier approach at times and you can add some funky feel as well. Not my cup of tea. The best example (and one of the worst song here) is the dreadful Old Number 63.

Some fine melody with the sweet The Vigil offers a pleasant break; that's true. But there are (too) few like this IMHHO. John Bolton is very emotional in his flute play (I far much prefer him in this role than on the sax).

My preferred song from this album is an excellent Kansas song. Melicus Gladiator rocks as hell and provides some great violin. Almost a classic song I should say. I know one shouldn't expect Proto-Kaw to be a Kansas clone, but I can't help: every time they produce such a number, I 'm charmed. Picture This is another of these good Kansas songs.

At the end of the day, this album starts fine and ends up in the same pleasant manner. Three stars.