RETROPOLIS

With the greatness that Back in the World of Adventures achieved, its successor definitely had some boots to fill. Naturally, the album sounds similar to BITWOA, and the compositional skills are still there. Infact, if this and BitWoA were a double album, I may not have noticed; but this doesn't make the songs any less original or impressive.

The album starts off with my personal favorite TFK song, the 28 second epic "Rhythm of Life," a beautiful song composed entirely of ping-pong sounds.

All joking aside, the "second" song is the epic title track. (5/5) The song is completely instrumental, and has a strong classical vibe. Perhaps one of TFK's best songs. This transitions into the rather uninteresting "Rhythm of the Sea," (2/5) an uncharacteristically slow and melancholy piece.

However, the mood immediately picks up again with my personal favorite track of the album "There is More to This World." (5/5) An upbeat song filled with great melodies that is reminiscent of the previous album's title track.

"Romancing the City" is a nice little keyboard transition into the next song "The Melting Pot," another instrumental. The song has an obvious jazz element which is tastefully executed.

What follows is two more excellent songs: "Silent Song," (3/5) and "Judas Kiss," (4/5) both of which have excellent instrumental breaks in the middle.

"Retropolis By Night" (2/5) is just spoken word and sound effects overlaying a continuous melody, which eventually segues into the next track: "Flora Majora." (5/5) is yet again a very nice instrumental. The beginning melody is simply awesome, and is what TFK is all about.

The final track, "The Road Back Home" (5/5) is the perfect finisher: dramatic, symphonic and with great melodies.

Overall, while Retropolis is not quite as good as Back in the World of Adventures, it is definitely one of TFK's best. 8/10