KEYHOLDER

Kaipa were one of the top Swedish bands of the Seventies, but split in 1982. Eventually guitarist Roine Stolt burst back onto the scene with the album 'The Flower King', formed a band to promote the album and the rest is history. In 2002 he rejoined forces with keyboard player Hans Lundin plus new members drummer Morgan Ågren (Zappa), bassist Jonas Reingold (Flower Kings) and singer Patrik Lundström (Ritual). They released 'Notes From The Past' and have now been joined by additional singer Aleena for their new work, 'Keyholder'. Given the history between Roine and Hans, it is probably not surprising that this album looks backwards far more than many other modern progressive bands.

Yes there are sections which come across as Flower Kings but that isn't surprising given that Roine writes for both, but this album has a much more Seventies feel to it. It is as if someone has taken bands such as Yes and Gentle Giant from that period and then thrown them straight into the modern arena and told them to get on with it. This album can be extremely intense or even light hearted ? Jonas has an extremely important part to play, as he has to switch between lead melody to background many times within certain songs, providing the bed rock for Roine and Hans. The use of Aleena as an additional lead vocalist has also given the band another melodic style, as her pure clear vocals contrast well with Patrik. On "A Complex Work Of Art" she shines, lifting the music to even greater heights.

I have been a critic of recent Flower Kings albums in that they can come across as just too long, with the impression of filler material but even though this album comes in at nearly eighty minutes (eight songs) that accusation just cannot be made this time. All progheads with half an ear to the classic period will find this a joy from start to end.

Originally appeared in Feedback #78, April 2004