PARADOX HOTEL

The Flower Kings, Swedish Progressive group led by one of the most experienced members of the scene Roine Stolt, have released a new album, titled - Paradox Hotel. This is yet another 2CD the group has to offer its fans and it contains yet another "epic" over 20 minutes in length. This can't go wront, right? Wrong. Paradox Hotel is a fine a example of how one should not judge a book by its cover(speaking about the cover literally, that's some terrible cover art!) - being overlong and containing "epic" tracks doesn't make the album any better than it is. On the countrary, it seems that being too long makes it even more incoherent, which was the case with another The Flower Kings album I used to have on my hands - Unfold The Future, which I found to be even more disastrous.

The album starts with the short sample Check In, which contains nothing interesting at least in the musical sense. Monsters And Men is next and, what do you know, it's the longest track on this album! All "epic" tracks, accept it or not, always make the listener expect something earth-shattering and that's why they tend to disappoint us a lot - sometimes due to the expectations themselves, at other times it is the fault of the songwriters. I'm afraid the latter is the case here, as the songwriting of this "piece" is inspiring and dull. I had trouble finishing the rotten experience of trying to listen to this music, simply because after this track I did not want to continue wasting my time. I do not doubt the technical prowess of the musicians, however, from my point of view, songwriting is something they seem to have abandoned since Space Revolver and it definitely needs a lot of work for future releases. If you've heard any other TFK album, you'll know where my main complaint comes from - no direction! The direction is either completely missing here, as the music goes absolutely nowhere, or the main point is exactly showing off technical skill and as many moods as possible. Roine Stolt sings here. He has a hearty voice, which I happen to like, however, I find it insincere on this record(an ability I've developed by listening to a lot of music, I suppose)and his singing and the lyrics that are written quite well simply can't save the album and make it worthwhile - much like the group's personal abilities.

In all but one TFK album I've heard so far, I've noticed that tracks and parts of tracks can be divided on a groups: ones that seem to pay homage to the 70's legends (Genesis, Gentle Giant, Yes, King Crimson, you name 'em), often all at once at the same time, some bizarre sounding songs that wouldn't be out of place on a contemporary adult radio station, and ones of the group's distinct style that is also derivative and drives me crazy with its lack of direction. After the epic track described above, the other tracks seem to follow that pattern as well. I am glad to mention, however, that the second part of the first CD, from Pioneers Of Aviation to Selfconsuming Fire is more listenable than the previous tracks, which made me proud that I finally made it through the madness to hear what perhaps is the best side of the group. Many of the tracks here either contain some nice melodies without going to nowhere or have a remarkable atmosphere, something I never associated TFK's music with. One thing I feel I should complain about though is that there is some giggling in a couple of tracks here, which is really out of place and does not suit the mood of the corresponding composition at all. The second disc does not hold up to my expectations either and makes me regret spending my time with this release.

To sum up my thoughts: in most cases, this is derivative, incoherent, chaotic music with a lack of direction, without the songwriting to back up it being overlong. This is exactly what I hate in TFK's sound and the exact qualities I try to avoid in my prog diet. Perhaps, people are referring to the TFK-styled groups when they form a prejudiced opinion against the type of music this site covers so deeply? I wouldn't be surprised actually. Despite some pleasant moments being included, I have to say that I would rather listen to three other albums that are actually innovative and interesting to listen to, instead of spending more than two hours trying to digest this. Time is money!

My final verdict will be more sober though and should not frighten anyone: this is a typical TFK album in every sense of the word and has some elements the group, to my knowledge, has yet implemented into their music, so if you are a fan of the musicians, I don't see why you would avoid it. However, to those unfamiliar with the group yet or already with negative impressions of the group's style: remember, there is more to prog than a single group and what is God's gift to mankind may very well be a disaster to another. Do not form your opinion on the whole genre, style or even era of music based on just one release - a mistake I once had the misfortune to make.

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