FREAKS OF NATURE

In the Spirit of Things wasn't a success commercially-wise. More than that, Steve Morse had to leave the band due to the interference of MCA Records (the label where the band had signed back then). They had actually disbanded, but a nameless German promoter kept them going for a European tour. The good news was that violin became part of the set-up again, although it wasn't Robby Steinhardt but David Ragsdale who was a truly worthy replacement. When a listener puts the CD into the player, they immediately realise that Kansas have abandoned the 80s style and they kind of want to make up for it in just one song. I Can Fly rocks hard, but there are also twists and turns galore. Mind you it's still miles away from their 70s core sound, but the music is relevant to the time. It gives way seamlessly to Desperate Times which is more melodic. Actually, the word 'melodic' can be used for every song in this album. As a whole, I would say that only two songs fall short, Need (not bad, but my interest falters along the way, a bit monotonous) and the subsequent title-track (those 'Hush-like' na-na-na-na's are completely out of place, but the song really rocks) although Kansas made sure that the album would not end like that. They did a come back with Cold Grey Morning (when the very first notes emerge, one can't help but think that this song is more 70s and indeed is a Kerry Livgren's song!) and, mainly, Peaceful and Warm which may be the summit of the album, a real gem.

Overall, I would say that the return of the violin made plain how much it was missed all this time, the new musicians did a great job and Jeff Glixman's production is stellar. Kansas stroke a nice balance between their original sound and the 90s, writing more concise (no track exceeds the six minutes) songs with very strong choruses. Fine by me.