Search - Flower Kings :: Back in the World of Adventures

Great introduction to a prolific and interesting band...

Mark Gatzke | Plant City, FL USA | 03/02/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As the apparent flagship for neoprogressive rock, The Flower Kings do their best to tip their hat to those who have paved the way while maintaining their own identity as an original, creative band in their own right. On Back in the World of Adventures, they succeed and then some. The opening track declares their intention with no uncertainty. It's the first of ten tracks that take the listener on musical rides that weave, bump, and sail through themes both stirring and mundane, all driven by infectious melodies and ambitious arrangements that fill the aural spectrum. While you may notice subtle similarities to Genesis, Yes, and maybe King Crimson, they are careful not to borrow from any of them except in the most elusive and respectful way.

The Flower Kings aren't necessarily an acquired taste, but that doesn't mean there aren't moments of frustration mixed in with the undeniable pleasure of listening to their music. For a serious prog fan, an album like this is pure heaven. For casual listeners, it can demand more attention than they're willing to devote. In fairness to newcomers, I'd point out that The Flower Kings' catalog as a whole shows an inclination to let things run a little long. While this is noticable and perhaps even irritating on some of their other albums, Back in the World of Adventures is arguably the quintessential Flower Kings album, solid and thoroughly engaging with very little fluff. Space Revolver and Retropolis fall in right behind it as excellent albums for the same reason."