STARDUST WE ARE

I'm not really a fan of the modern-retro symphonic progressive rock movement, but bands utilizing that sounds appear to be popular debate on this site. I was originally pointed to the Flower Kings by my guitar instructor, who is a big fan of Yes and Genesis, and this sounds like a 21st century update to that sound. In my opinion, the sound doesn't really work that well. First of all, Stolt's voice is not unlike those modern electric blues guitarists like Joe Bonamassa. It's rough and startling, and I really don't enjoy it.

The music is here is exceptionally cheesy with synthetic symphonic glory that isn't quite earned. If Yes or Genesis decided to record an album now with all of the random effects available to them in the studio, this is what it would sound like, plus a few more rock-oriented touches. It's not very appealing to say the least, but a lot of people tend to enjoy this album, which is also unbearably long and jam packed with filler material. If that is your kind of thing, then I guess I suggest it. Enjoy.