KANSAS

Right from the start of their career, Kansas showcased a unique sound and approach to music. The influences clearly include British bands like Yes, Genesis, Deep Purple, and Emerson Lake & Palmer, but Kansas makes American progressive Rock music.

This debut album is a bit more earthy and bluesy than subsequent albums. The guitars are more Blues oriented and the organ is the dominant keyboard instrument rather than synthesizers (though there are some). This, together with the omnipresent violin, gives a very organic and warm sound.

While some of the songs of the album - like the first two and The Pilgrimage - don't do that much for me, the remaining tracks are all very strong. The true standout track is the brilliant Journey From Mariabronn (which later also featured on the excellent live album Two For The Show).

Admittedly, this album is still a little bit rough around the edges and not as polished as the band's masterpieces Leftoverture and Point Of Know Return, but it is nonetheless a very strong debut that clearly points towards a future of forthcoming powerful progressive Rock releases.

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