INVENTION OF KNOWLEDGE

"Invention of Knowledge" is the debut full-length studio album by multi-national progressive rock act Anderson/Stolt. The album was released through InsideOutMusic in June 2016. The duo lineup consists of former Yes vocalist Jon Anderson (lead and backing vocals, synthesiser, percussion) and The Flower Kings guitarist/frontman Roine Stolt (electric guitar, acoustic guitars, Dobro, Portuguese guitar, lap steel guitar, keyboards, percussion, backing vocals). Several session musicians also play and sing backing vocals/choirs on the album. Anderson/Stolt was formed in 2014 after Stolt had played as part of the backing band for Jon Anderson on a progressive rock-themed cruise. InsideOutMusic label owner Thomas Waber promised that he would provide the funding for the project, if the two musicians would agree to work together.

Stylistically this sounds pretty much like I expected it to sound. A Flower Kings related project but with Jon Anderson on vocals. "Invention of Knowledge" features four long tracks, which are for the most part subdivided into shorter tracks. So there is compositional complexity here which isn´t something new for neither Anderson nor Stolt. It´s definitely not an album which challenges the duo or their fans in terms of sounding vastly different from what you expect a a hybrid Yes/The Flower Kings project to sound like. Anderson has a unique voice and delivery, and when he sings you instantly know that it´s him singing. His uplifting and positive lyrics are also a trademark by now. Stolt has arranged most of the material and written most of the instrumental parts and it´s impossible not to notice his signature writing style gracing the album.

"Invention of Knowledge" is well produced featuring a clear, organic, and detailed sounding production job, and just like anything else about this release it´s no surprise since Stolt is responsible for the production work. So "Invention of Knowledge" is arguably a high quality progressive rock album created by two prolific veterans of the scene, but when that is said It would have been nice to hear the duo try something new and not make an album which sounds like The Flower Kings with Anderson singing. That part is slightly disappointing, but "Invention of Knowledge" is still an enjoyable listen and a 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.

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