KEYHOLDER

All I knew of this band was that Ronnie Stolt played guitar in the band as a teenager during the 70's. Being a huge fan of the Flower Kings, I expected to hear their sound throughout. I'm happy to say that it's not the case. Sure, Stolt's guitar is unmistakeable and seeing as he wrote all of the lyrics, (with Lundin on the first 4) his upbeat Jon Anderson-like verbage is also unmistakeable. It's the music that differs for the most part, especially the first four songs which were written by Lundin. I must admit, I'm not a fan of Lundin's voice, it being one part metal inflection with one part Neo. Yet over repeated listenings it grew on me where now it doesn't get in the way of the fantastic music. Ah, the music! If your cup of tea is exquiste crystal clear 2000's-like symphonic prog, well me buckos, you have come to the right album. These guys play their arses off! Right from the start, it's propulsive, upbeat and dynamic. Stolt's guitar doesn't overpower, yet he gets his licks in. The bass playing of Jonas Reingold is from the Chris Squire school, but he doesn't plagiarize, it's fluid and trembly. Awesome! Lundin's keyboards don't overcrowd the melody, it flows. Man, I wish Yes could sound this good! Yet the highlight for me is the inclusion of singer Aleena. The song "A Complex Work of Art" is everything Yes sounded like and should sound like if fronted by a female. Aleena's voice sounds like an early summer day, bright and innocent. I will be searching for her stuff! She is THAT good. She pops up here and there on other tracks and I wish she fronted the band vocally, but that's a minor quibble. Folks, this band should be at the top of your list if you are at all interested in well played modern symphonic prog that has twists and turns but also killer melodies and jams. Just a shade under a masterpiece! 4.5 stars!