KAYAK

Kayak's second album is a great listen throughout of slightly odd melodic symphonic prog with some mild pop sensibilities. The keyboards of Ton Scherpenzeel cast endless melodies & chords progressions and the distinctive vulnerable voice of Max Werner gives the music an artistic atmosphere. On this album the song-writing is however the strongest asset; with unforgettable melodies on almost all songs (most notably 'Mountain to Rough' and 'Serenades'). On the opening track 'Alibi' (which appeared on the 2019 set list) the band rocks out whilst still remaining melodic throughout. Kayak also attempts to create two epic type songs with 'They Get to Know Me' (with its great abstract verse theme) and the futuristic 'Trust in the Machine'. Kayak is nowhere near as technical as bands like Yes or Genesis, but it made some great atmospherically well conceived albums. My guess is many listeners are repelled by the slightly introverted geeky sound of these early albums, but I can vouch for their durability once you've properly acquainted yourself with albums like Kayak's second (this one), 'The Last Encore' and (to a slightly lesser degree) 'Royal Bed Bouncer'.