Review by Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
No rating supplied
This CD was a mind-boggling expedition of progressive rock. I have
to say that this is some of the most vibrant and spanking new prog
rock that I have heard in quite some time. Every so often a real humdinger
comes along and knocks your socks off, well, this one did the job
for me. "Space Revolver" (2000) is The Flower Kings’ most recent release.
This was my introduction to the group so I can offer neither opinions
nor comparisons to the rest of their catalog.
This is an astonishing group of songs. "Monster Within" is over twelve
minutes of complex changes and progressions into different levels
of genre elucidation. At times the lead singer,
Roine Stolt, whom also plays some excellent guitar, sounds as if he
is making his way through a 10CC song. On the other side of the spectrum
is the beautiful song "You Don’t Know What You’ve Got", which is so
completely opposite of everything that you will hear before it, you
will be wondering if you are listening to the same group. In fact
it’s so different they sound more like a top-forty (It runs for 2:39)
crossover group than a top-flight prog band on those particular songs.
This is an exception to the rule in the realm of prog rock; it’s also
a tribute to the pure talent and resolve of each group member to give
the listener every facet of what they are able to create collectively.
There is absolutely no room for singularity of purpose in this band.
It’s a group effort from start to finish. Their complex harmonies
and jazz infused rock will have you reeling and looking for more of
the same. This CD is a testimonial of steadiness that weaves intrinsically
into your mind and thought process. Keep in mind that there is a modicum
of consistency in a musical sense in each track, and that is the very
reason this is such a great album. The variety and intensity of this
ambitious project will wow the critics and garner the respect and
admiration of their peers in every music circle across the globe.
Whatever preconceptions you may have about progressive rock can now
be thrown out the window. Its groups like The Flower Kings that are rewriting the book.
1. I Am the Sun, Pt. 1
2. Dream on Dreamer
3. Rumble Fish Twist
4. Monster Within
5. Chicken Farmer Song
6. Underdog
7. You Don't Know What You've Got
8. Slave to Money
9. A Kings Prayer
10. I Am the Sun, Pt. 2
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