LEFTOVERTURE

Combining the words Leftover, with overtures, how original ;) But it helps me describe their music somewhat, for that is what Kansas do, and makes up for their unique style, combining two, and sometimes more different tunes, and molding them into one coherent piece of rock music. Their fourth album already, and their breakthrough to the big audience. Leftovertures proofs what was already apparent on their previous albums. Kansas Rocks.

The pressure on the band to release a hit grew, and the high pace of recording albums and extensive touring to promote the band had took it's toll, Steve Walsh was going through a writers block, so the other main writer Kerry Livgren took up the task to write most of the music for Leftovertures. The pressure on Livgren seemed to inspire him to come up with some fantastic songs.

Overtures are generally speaking musical introductions to a greater piece, combining and summarising what the audience awaits during the rest of the show, and is usually (by me that is) regarded as one of the highlights of the symphony. And like the album title suggest each song on Leftovertures is a condensed piece of music, with numerous changes and can be considered a highlight.

The main elements of kansas music are the fabulous singing, strong drumming, hard rock guitar rifs, but most notable the violin/keyboards/bass and drum interplay, sounding both classical, as carnavaleque at times, great exciting music. Highlights on an album filled with highlights is difficult to pinpoint, but the best parts are the hard rocking Carry On Wayward Son, Magnum Opus, and the both cheerfull as sad Cheyenne Anthem.

A fabulous album, and it can't be praised enough. Five stars from this dude.

PEACE OUT