Flower Kings
FLOWER KINGS "BANKS OF EDEN"
After a five year absence, progressive rock band The Flower Kings return with their latest opus, Banks Of Eden. Led by mastermind Roine Stolt (Transatlantic), the material has all the dreamy, melodic and cinematic elements that have become hallmakers on Flower Kings' records, but the latest incarnation of the band mixes it up with both psychedelic and darker metal passages that place this album somewhere in between the late 60's proto prog and the new generation of art rock.
With only five tracks, but one, the sprawling "Numbers," clocking in a twenty-five minutes, this effort should not leave fans of the band disappointed.
The instrumentation is what you'd expect, that is to say excellent. The guitars are soaring, the drums pounding but not overbearing, the vocals and harmonies lush and working together, with it all held together by a solid bass line.
Even with the addition of new drummer Lehrmann and the slightly broader set of influences, I do not know that the band really covers new ground, but the hiatus seems to have given the material a fresh sound and a renewed enthusiasm.
Listen for yourself! Let me know what you think...
PANDEMONIUM
FOR THE LOVE OF GOLD
FOR THOSE ABOUT TO DROWN
NUMBERS
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This is the first time hearing about The Flower Kings and I thought you described their sound really well, dreamy, melodic, and cinematic. Thought it's not the kind of music I normally listen to, I did enjoyed For the Love of Gold the most. Thanks for introducing me to this new band. (:
ReplyDeleteA-Z participant blogging from Elise Fallson
Thanks for stoppy by, Elise! I wouldn't call the Kings "new" since they've been around since the early 90's....but new to you, certainly.
DeleteLC
They have a very interesting sound. This is the first time I have heard any of their songs. I don't think they are my kind of band. But I like how you bring a different kind of music to each of your days. Thanks for Sharing!
ReplyDeleteVanessa-
DeleteI think the rarity during the month will be the bands you HAVE heard of...although there should be a few....
Larry
Another great band I've never heard of. I'm having a lot of fun reading your blog, thanks!
ReplyDeleteFrom A to Z, Kristen's blog: kristenhead.blogspot.com
Glad you're enjoying them, Kristen!
DeleteLC
musically a lot like Genesis circa Trick of a tail/Selling England, which I love. Vocals not as much my style, sorry to say (on Pandemonium). But not off enough to leave a bad impression. Have to agree that For the love of gold is a better track.
ReplyDeleteCW-I also hear a lot of Yes influence in their work...I wonder if your take on the vocals has anything to do with English being their second language...I always seem to think I hear that coming through.
DeleteLC
Most excellent! Pandemonium has a definite "Tales of Topographic Oceans" feel to it. All good tracks.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Chuck!
DeleteFinally a group I know. I used to hear them played on AOL's Prog Rock station a lot and always liked their music. A very fine group and the new stuff sounds true to form.
ReplyDeleteLee
A Faraway View
An A to Z Co-host blog
I've never heard of them, but that album cover is FANTASTIC!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is all new to me - I love discovering new music :)
ReplyDelete