NOTES FROM THE PAST

This was the big comeback album for KAIPA released in 2002. Roine Stolt returns (after 24 years) and the original keyboardist Hans Lundin returns but they are the only two original members to make an appearance.The rest of the band are listed as guests but that will change on the next record "Keyholder" where they will be seen as officially part of the band. By the way "Keyholder" (with the same lineup as here) is for my tastes a stronger album than this one."Notes From The Past" really sounds like a lost FLOWER KINGS album only instead of Roine singing we have Patrik from RITUAL doing the honours. Reingold (FLOWER KINGS) is on bass and Mats Agren (MATS / MORGAN) is on drums. Also add female vocalist Aleena.

"Notes From The Past-Part I" is fairly dreamy with vocals and some soaring guitar. "Night Bike Ride (On Lilac Street)" really sounds like a FLOWER KINGS song. Some nice chunky bass with organ and guitar standing out. A good instrumental. "Mirrors Of Yesterday" is mellow with vocals. Piano before 1 1/2 minutes.Vocals stop after 2 minutes as an instrumental section takes over.Vocals return after 5 minutes as it settles. "Leaving The Horizon" opens with sampled mellotron as the music start to build slowly. It settles with flute-like sounds and mellotron before building again.Violin-like sounds before 4 minutes as it settles some.The song continues to build and settle the rest of the way. "In The Space Of A Twinkle" is mellow as spoken female words come in. It does get fuller. "Folke's Final Decision" kicks in right away.This is catchy.

"The Name Belongs To You" is mellow as vocals arrive before a minute. It changes as the guitar and bass lead after 2 1/2 minutes. Mellotron too. Keyboards start to lead. A calm 6 minutes in then the vocals return. It kicks in again. Mellotron then vocals before 10 minutes. A lazy guitar solo follows then the vocals return. "Second Journey Inside The Green Grass" opens with mellotron.It starts to build then it picks up after a minute. It settles back then sounds start to pulsate. Organ and guitar join in. More mellotron 5 minutes in. "A Road In My Mind" is where Aleena sings. She sings so well but i'm not a fan of her voice. "Morganism" is a great sounding instrumental where everyone shines bright. So impressive. "Notes From The Past-Part II" is like the intro track really as the album ends like it began.

At 79 minutes this is a long one, but if your a FLOWER KINGS fan I think you'll enjoy it.