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: : Kino : :
Well, the first thought that crossed my mind was, here we go again. Yet
another prog “super group” and possibly even worse, one member of the
“new” super group was part of one of the better dearly departed prog
super groups Transatlantic. Can you say “Same old same old”?
Boy that image completely changes with the opening cords of “Losers Day
Parade”. This is the longest song on the disc and after several listens
it seems to have most of the musical elements you find in each of the
songs that follow. Whether on purpose or not, it certainly lays the
ground work for an excellent CD. This song just rips the cover off the
book of Kino and lets all who care to listen know that they (Kino) are
in NO way like other or even previous “prog super groups”.
Now you might think that with John from Arena and Pete from Marillion
there would be a good chance that the music on this CD would have a
strong Marillion-esque vibe or even sound. Again, this is not even close
to true. In fact I’m not sure that you could say “hey they sound like
this or that”. No; Kino has grabbed onto a sound that for a first
release comes across as very new in a familiar sort of way.
This is melodic “pop” prog if you will. This must be a direct link to
John Beck as It Bites definitely established a clean linage to this type
of poppy prog music. And in all seriousness, this style of pop prog may
just be what brings more women and younger people into the progressive
rock music family.
Catchy riffs, delectable keyboard passages (almost The Who
Quadrophenia-like in places), strong vocals with a strong and positive
lyrical message. Each song is strong on its own but when taken as one
massive musical undertaking it appears, at least to this listeners ears,
to be greater in total of all the songs rather than one or two songs
that carry the entire CD.
“Swimming In Women” shows
off Kino’s more dramatic side. It can remind one of say parts of
Genesis’s “Lamb Lies Down on Broadway”. Slowly starting and building to
a wonderful crescendo. I like it! “People” follows SIW and in fact
carries the Genesis imagery even farther.
“All You See” is a pensive song invoking the power ballad feel of 80’s
hair metal bands without being cheesy. In fact, if any one song on this
CD does remind me of any Marillion, it’s this one as it almost sounds
like it could have come from “Holidays In Eden” era Marillion. To me
this is a very, very good thing. John’s guitar work in this song is
enough to bring tears to your eyes. Excellent examples of how a
sophisticated, mature, rock guitar god is suppose to “bend those
strings.”
“All You See” is one of those ‘regular’ radio ready songs. One of those
“Silent Lucidity” sleeper songs if people could just hear it! Brilliant
on all counts.
I would love to go on and on about how each song offers the listener a
little more musical honey but I’m not. If you want more you are just
going to have to buy the CD.
This is modern prog that has left the wimpy quotient behind. Just keep
in mind that John Mitchell’s guitar work offers wonderful music nuances
balanced by his excellent voice. And of course there is John Beck who is
arguably the most underrated progressive rock keyboardist alive and
playing today. Jump in, the waters fine!
Rating: 9.5 of 10
Reviewed By: Stephen Ellis
: : Visit the Artist’s Website : :
: : Discography : :
Kino - 2005
: : ALBUM OF THE MONTH FOR
MAY 2005 : : |
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