RETROPOLIS

The debut of The Flower Kings brought the band to attention and it was followed by some short tours around Europe, growing the band's fame.At the same time a second strike appeared in 1996 with the title ''Retropolis''.The new The Flower Kings' product was again released on Stolt's Foxtrot Records.

If you ask me the title just describes the album perfectly.This is intense, dramatic and melodic Retro/Classic Progressive Rock with a bit of Neo Prog twists here and there and it is executed in a great way.Highlighted by Stolt's very warm and deeply personal guitar playing, ''Retropolis'' is once more based on the heavy YES vibes, including weird and abnormal orchestrations, strong breaks, virtuosic passages and refined melodies with a very rich and atmospheric sound.The arrangements remain strong with an array of both vintage and modern keyboards, from smooth Mellotron pieces and dominant organs to mindblowing synthesizers and even electronic sampling.As expected by a Flower Kings' album, this one is also filled with extended instrumental themes in a Classic Prog style, characterized by massive interplays, melodious symphonic interludes and pretty nice jams, while the moments Stolt offers his expressive voice are the ones offering also the less technical and more atmospheric parts of the album.

No hesitation at all.''Retropolis'' is a ''town'' you should visit as soon as possible if you like anything related to the Classic Prog era.A bit unoriginal but musically strongly recommended...3.5 stars.