Literally thirty years after their initial incarnation as the prototype for
Kansas, the aptly titled
Proto-Kaw is finally together decades later to finish what they started. Featuring Kerry Livgren; the only member of this Sextet to go on with huge musical success; while the rest of the band would lead normal lives;
Before Came After could make anyone wonder what
Kansas might have sounded like if this incarnation stayed together. The sound is actually more relevant to the Moody Blues rather than
Kansas, the guitars are not as "arena rock" oriented as
Kansas' were, and instead of a violinist we get a saxophonist/flautist. Never-the-less
Proto-Kaw brings an impressive straightforward progressive rock record to the table.
Opening up with "
Alt. More Worlds than Known," having the vibe of a more recent
Marillion meets mid-period Jethro Tull, complete with the hook ridden instrumentation and the pop prowess that had been found within Livgren's songwriting for years, the track sets the tone for the record, fulfilling any expectations one might have.
As the disc plays on, its not surprising, that the musicianship shines within the ten tracks on the record. Tracks such as the sub jazz/near-jam session of "
Quantam Leaping," the emotion of another Tull-ish opus "
Words of Honour," and the final extended cut, "
Theophany" saving the records conceptual stance for the end, showcase the ability for the bands emphasis on the musical approach.
Some cuts follow a mellower path, with songs such as "
Words of Honor," "
Gloriana," and the darkish "
Axoloti" taking a more eased step mixing progressive overtones and pop song structure.
The vocal harmonies of "
Greenburg, Glickstein." are catchy, but can get to you after a while almost sounding like they belong in a commercial, obviously it gets stuck in your head, regardless of the fact that they are done so discreetly, being a complete detour for this near schizophrenic rock song.
With the mixture of Livgren's guitar work, the analog synths, woodwinds, Lynn Meredith's high tenor vocal range, blended in the way only these guys could have done, to bring somewhat of a vintage prog sound forth with a modern touch, the wait was worth it. Not bad, for something that, somewhat, took three decades to make.
Written by
Hashman Monday, April 4, 2005
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