RADIO VOLTAIRE

"Radio Voltaire" is the second full-length studio album by UK, progressive rock act Kino. The album was released through InsideOut Music in March 2018. It´s the successor to "Picture" from 2005 and there´s been one lineup change since the predecessor as drummer Chris Maitland has been replaced by Craig Blundell (Frost*, Steven Wilson). Kino formed in 2004 but after releasing "Picture" they folded in 2006. In 2017 Guitarist/vocalist John Mitchell however pitched the idea to ressurrect Kino to bassist Pete Trewavas (Marillion, Transatlantic) and they soon reunited with keyboardist John Beck (It Bites) and recruited Blundell to complete the quartet lineup.

Stylistically "Radio Voltaire" continues the pop/rock oriented progressive rock sound of "Picture" but maybe with a slightly more progressive songwriting approach. It´s still predominantly relatively simple vers/chorus structured music and it often reminds me of the most pop/rock oriented songs by Spock´s Beard because of Mitchell´s voice and singing style, but also the way the piano is used. It´s a warm, pleasant, and atmospheric release, which is packed in a professional, organic, and detailed sound production, suiting the material well.

So upon conclusion "Radio Voltaire" is a good quality sophomore release from Kino and a worthy representation of the pop/rock oriented end of the progressive rock scale. A few more progressive songwriting ideas wouldn´t have hurt, but it´s probably a matter of the ears that hear. A 3 star (60%) rating is warranted.