KAYAK

The second Kayak-album (also called "His Master's Noise" and "Alibi") is, for sure, their most proggy/symphonic album and can compete with the other Dutch giant's Earth & Fire "Song Of The Marching Children" album, but also "The Yes Album" and "Nursery Cryme" from Yes and Genesis.

A big Yes-influence is featured here, just like on the first album "See See The Sun". But the songs on "Kayak II" are sounding more complete, balanced and consistent. Although the whole album is a bit shorter, there are no weak tracks on it. "Wintertime" was a hit in The Netherlands and still remains a very popular song in the "Golden Oldies- category". It's a pop-song featuring accordeon and mellotron, and the melody is very good. The opener "Alibi" is Yes-que power. Screaming guitar-themes and fat piano chords are moving forward the unusual vocals of Max Werner.

Other highlights are "Mountain Too Rough" (with an absolutely brilliant middle-part, featuring dramatic piano, and mellotron interaction) and "They Get To Know Me" (more than 9 minutes and another interaction between guitar and moog- synthesizer). "Serenades" and "Woe And Alas" are fan-favorites and shorter, more accessible songs.

The closing of this suberb album is a combination of two pieces: "Mireille" (written by drummer/composer) Pim Koopman and the very progressive uneven "Trust In The Machine" that closes with a dramatic, scary mellotron-march that reminds of the early King Crimson songs.

On the 1994 CD-version, a bonus-track (seperate single release from 1974) called "We Are Not Amused" has been added. A funny song, but to be honest, it's not a very strong one.

For real prog-insiders this is considered the best album Kayak ever made. I think it's not their best (to me, it's their last album "Nostradamus - The Fate Of Man") but surely one of their best.

In the genre, this overlooked album deserves a maximum score, for there are no weak moments to be found. The composing, the playing, the inspiration.. it's all there. What else do you need?