KANSAS

I've never been a KANSAS fan but out of all their albums this is my favourite. I find three of the last four tracks here pure magic but the first four very average. So after listening to it i'm always thinking "That was great !" when in fact only the last half of it is what i'd call excellent.

"Can I Tell You" hits the ground running, vocals come in quickly. The violin is all over this one. Guitar before 2 1/2 minutes then the organ joins the fray. "Bringing It Back" features lots of piano with violin coming in around a minute. "Lonely Wind" opens with violin and piano as reserved vocals arrive in this ballad-like tune. "Belexes" is a rocker, I do like the vocals here. A little drum action 4 minutes in. "Journey From Mariabronn" is led by piano and violin early. Vocals 1 1/2 minutes in. Guitar after 3 1/2 minutes as the drums pound. Violin follows. Great tune.

"The Pilgrimage" builds until the vocals kick in. My least favourite of the last four. "Apercu" is led by violin, then we get a calm before a minute as reserved vocals come in. Outstanding sound when it gets fuller. An instrumental interlude after 5 minutes where the guys stretch out. Nice aggressive sound with guitar after 9 minutes. It blends into "Death Of Mother Nature Suite". It settles right down quickly as reserved vocals come in. It kicks back in as contrasts continue. I like the guitar 6 minutes in as he lights it up.

3.5 stars and a great start to their careers.