Kayak, are a progressive/symphonic rock band from Hilversum, Netherlands. They formed back in 1972 to disband in 1982 after nine studio albums. They reformed in 1999 and have been consistently releasing music ever since. Their seventeenth album aptly named ‘Seventeen’ will be out on 12th January 2018. For starters, this is a must listen for a lover of rock music. Progressive rock never sounded this simple and magical.
The album in general feels like a beautiful dream sequence. The instrumentation sounds simple and yet too intricate. That topped by the heavenly vocals of Bart Schwertmann lifts it a notch higher. Opening track “Somebody” did not take more than a moment to bring a smile on my face. The symphonies and the opening riff already had me hooked. The rest was even better.
[metalwani_content_ad]
The next track “La Peregrina” is a prog-rock masterpiece. The transitions were so seamless and smooth that I found myself moving my neck to getting lost in the surreal parts of the track more than once. The beauty never seemed to subside with “Failing”, the most powerful and the best track in my opinion.
Another amazing aspect is the atmosphere, which has been carried from one track to another. “Walk through Fire” is another brilliant piece of music. The way by which the various parts have been arranged in this one is just something ethereal. Maybe it is too early to say, but it looks like 2018 has a contender for the best rock album already. Halfway through the album, there are no flaws. The production is crisp. The music is beautiful. Nothing to complain here.
I could keep thinking about how this album couldn’t get more stunning, and then I would hear the next track and once again be proven wrong. “Ripples in the water” acts as an interlude to “All that I want” which is another belter of a track. This bring us to the end with “X marks the spot” and “God on our side”, a fitting end to the album engraving Kayak as legends forever.
‘Seventeen’ by Kayak is an epitome of musical brilliance and simplicity. This record is highly recommended for any music lover.
