KANSAS

An excellent first album from Kansas. I've always liked their take on progressive rock, with violin as integrated in the sound as the flute is on a Jethro Tull album. Previous reviewers have also noted the warmth in the Kansas sound, and together with the vocal performances of Steve Walsh and Robbie Steinhardt it adds up to a very soothing listening experience. Organs and keys are not overly intricate, but they remain a favourite in my book. Hard to tell why, easy to understand while listening. Dave Hope's bass ranges from thunderous to delicate, adding another nice dimension to the album. Belexes/Journey from Mariabronn/Apercu/Death of Mother Nature Suite are all within the progressive realm and show the tightness of the band in action, showcasing every members skill in a most democratic way. The best songs will have to be the whirling, intense Journey from Mariabronn and the fantastic Death of Mother Nature Suite.

Can I tell You is fun, short song which shouldn't be dismissed. Think of it as a condensation of the various aspects of Kansas' music, with slightly more rocking potential.

Bringing It Back/Lonely Wind/The Pilgrimage - these songs cannot be described as anything but substandard, in comparison with those mentioned above. Bringing it Back is some sort of boogierock (although it features nice violin), Lonely Wind just feels too much no matter how hard I try and The Pilgrimage is much in the same vein as Bringing it back.

Altogether a fantastic start for Kansas, not at all far from their masterpieces.

//Linus