ADAM & EVE

If you're a prog lover and haven't heard The Flower Kings, I suggest you check them out post-haste. In terms of musicianship they're probably one of the most accomplished bands around. What makes them special is, they can turn their hand to virtually any style of music and play it with authority and conviction. This, their 9th CD in as many years (not counting solo and side projects) is an absolute killer. Unlike their last release the 2 CD set 'Unfold the Future' this one is concise and has no second-rate songs to clog up the works. The first track ' Love Supreme' is a 20 minute tour de force with more than a hint of Yes/Jon Anderson about it. As usual the guitar and keyboard playing is exquisite. (Tomas Bodin really is the most tasteful and inventive keyboard player around at the moment. I recommend his three solo albums ) The second part of the song features some very soulful vocals from Hasse Froberg, and new member Daniel Gildenlow. Of special note is the amazing, almost Queen-like, massed backing vocals. The second track is one of those short but moving and uplifting songs that The Flower Kings do so well. Nice drumming on this song. The third track is a short instrumental done in the style of Genesis 'In that quiet earth'. If you like this track, you'll love Tomas Bodin's solo albums. The next track, 'Vampires view' is a slight departure for the band: the first thing that came to mind when I heard this song was, Peter Hammill. Daniel Gildenlow's vocal (I think it's him) has some very Hammillesque qualities about it on this track -- very theatrical and melodramatic. There's some incredible bass playing towards the end of the song, too. In fact the bass playing is exceptional throughout, with more than a hint of Chris Squire about it -- Chris Squire meets Scott Thunes is probably the best way to describe his playing. The track segues into a short piano piece that captures very nicely a sort of transylvanian mood to compliment the lyrics of the previous track. The title track is a heavy rocker with a twist. Once again the rhythm section is awesome. 'Starlight Man' is another short but catchy song, with Froberg singing in his best Jon Anderson voice. This is probably the weakest song on the CD, but it is short and rather infectious. 'Timelines' is a strange, moody almost bluesy(but not quite) song full of interesting percussion interjctions,played by Hasse Brunniuson. 'Drivers seat' is another longish track (18 minutes) that gives drummer Zoltan Csorsz room to show off his considerable chops and technique. The final track is a majestic instrumental. Originally conceived as the ending to the title track, it makes a rather nice ending to a most excellent CD. Altogether a very uplifting and exhilarating experience from one of the best bands on the planet.