RETROPOLIS

'Retropolis' is the sophomore studio release by the legendary symphonic prog act The Flower Kings. The Swedes were quick to release their second album some months after their very impressive and intriguing debut, indicating that creativity is hardly lacking when the band members get together in the studio. Released in May, of 1996 on Roine Stolt's own Foxtrot Records (and produced by himself, too, under the Don Azzaro moniker), this album also features Tomas Bodin on keyboards, Michael Stolt on bass, Jaime Salazar on drums, Hans Bruniusson on percussion, and additionally, Hasse Fr'berg on vocals on two tracks and Ulf Wallander playing the saxophone on a couple songs, too.

Musically, 'Retropolis' sounds just like the album you would expect to hear from the band after you've heard the preceding one - it is so predictable actually that it almost sounds like 'Back in the World of Adventures' Part 2. Not to dismiss the many qualities of this very good record, it has to be said that it presents some majestic melodies, mind-altering instrumental passages, and once again, abstract and thoughtful lyrics that are sung beautifully by Roine Stolt (and on a few occasions, by Hasse Fr'berg, not a proper band member yet).

Particular highlights would include the 11-minute instrumental title track, a powerhouse of a composition on which each member shines and displays enviable amounts of skill, talent, and imagination, certainly of the strongest instrumental compositions in The Flower Kings' entire catalogue; The more ballad-y 'Rhythm of the Sea', a song that is quite melancholic and tranquil when compared with the madness of 'Retropolis'; 'The Melting Pot' is also very interesting, a song that could only appear on a TFK album for sure with its unwelcoming structure, peculiar sounds and memorable hooks; 'Silent Sorrow' and 'Judas Kiss' are excellent songs as well, all of these tracks strongly reminisce the debut album.

The difficult second album stereotype kind of applies for 'Retropolis', as the album suffers mainly because of its similaritirs to the record that precedes it, and is probably a bit overlong, on top of the fact that the band sees itself meandering on a couple of tracks. Despite all of this, there are some pretty strong compositions that make this sophomore release a valuable moment in the band's history; Still, they have released much better material throughout the years.