IN A PERFECT WORLD

I have always been a fan of progressive rock, but I came at it from a more commercial angle with the more mainstream tones of Genesis in the late 70's and the ever-changing sound and line-ups of Yes from this time. As I have got older my tastes have changed somewhat. I have listened to a lot of the more modern sounds of progressive rock. It has become very difficult to effectively label some progressively-orientated music as truly progressive.

Karmakanic is a superb example of what I would consider essential modern-day prog. The album "In A Perfect World" introduces a more eclectic approach with the clearly progressive and hugely impressive "1969" starting off the album. There are also some obvious Yes influences in this one as well. It is a fantastic opener.

The next track "Turn it Up" is very much more rock/ pop. It's got a big sound, it is very catchy and it (almost) makes you want to dance! This is not prog as we previously knew it.

"The World is Caving In" starts off slow, builds up and then subsides again. It is a great track.

"Can't Take it With You" is quirky and jumps all over the place! But it is clearly made with tongue in cheek and is great fun. The throaty "yeah, yeah yeahs" drive my girlfriend crazy so it must be good!

"There's Nothing Wrong With the World" is not one of my favourite tracks on the album but it is engaging and showcases some very effective drumming.

"Bite the Grit" is a hard-edged track with an emphasis on heavy guitar riffs interspersed with some flowing piano, all over-laid with the usual excellent vocals. Nice.

"When Fear Came to Town", like "The World is Caving In" starts off slow with vocals overlaying a nice acoustic guitar with a hint of synth floating in the background. The texture of this ten minute track begins to change after five and a half minutes, but it maintains its steady rhythm. It's melancholy but it's great and it points to even greater things to come from this band.

I cannot emphasise how much I enjoy the music of this group. Much of their music is clearly influenced by other older prog groups, but the sound they create is entirely their own. There is some great modern prog around at the moment. Magic Pie and Haken are also among those with massive potential. Seriously, Karmakanic are one of the best modern prog groups around at the moment. I would buy any new material from them without even thinking about it. They are that good!

I see Karmakanic as an excellent addition to any modern day prog collection. Their 2008 album "Who's the Boss in the Factory?" and this one, I consider to be an essential part of any modern prog collection, so roll on five stars!

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