SPACE REVOLVER

Many prog rock fans consider this record as neo-progressive; I find only about 10% neo- progressive elements; there are more symphonic, art rock and jazz elements involved here. The style involved is similar to progressive bands like Transatlantic and Glass Hammer. However, The Flower Kings here are more diversified, they do not only use vintage keyboards and they can be pretty atmospheric.

The music sometimes contains graceful saxes a la Sting. There are several jazzy parts. The bass is often fretless and jazzy, which adds a refined personality to the whole. There is a judicious mix of modern atmospheric keyboards and vintage ones: piano, organ, mellotron, moog and some clavinet. Definitely the lead singer has a voice pretty similar to John Wetton's one. The presence of celestial harp, lush acoustic guitars, magic small bells and tubular bells arrangements enhance the overall value of this record. The electric guitar sound is maybe a bit too gross, especially during the loaded & funny bits. The more mellow and floating bits are quite serious and introspective. The passage from funny to serious parts and vice versa is interesting, so that you realize that this record brings a bipolar mood: the emotions transfer is a memorable experience here. The music contains omnipresent subtleties that need more than one listen to really appreciate: the music is VERY lively and eloquent: each instrument makes a huge contribution to the very rich textures, and it is often subtly made in the background. The impressive & dense stream of church organ around 4:30 of "Monster within" is jaw-dropping: turn up the volume!

Rating: 4.5 stars