Search - Kayak :: Coming Up for Air

Not your grandfather's KAYAK

S.F.Sorrow | Indianapolis | 02/09/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I picked up on KAYAK back in 1974(dates me I know)when they were what I called"the little progressive band that could".Lacking the virtuosos that worked in the progressive field(except for keyboard whiz Ton Sherpenzeel)Kayak specialized in fairly short,more poppy prog tunes that stressed melody and harmony rather than grandiose song structures.Many longtime Kayak fans(including me)still preferred the '70s output over the re-formed,bigger sound of the band this decade.However,with this disc(their 5th with the new lineup)they have arrived in the 21st century with a renewed purpose,plus an incredibly muscular and exciting sound.New guitarists Joost Vergoosen,and,especially,Rob Vunderink(think Steve Vai with a more precise and melodic style)were slowly integrated into this new style,but now give the music a new vigor and texture.Opening track,ALIENATION,just may be the bands finest tune since their '70s heyday.It also re-introduces the golden pipes of lead "crooner"Edward Reekers,who hasn't lost any of the unusual range in his tenor thru the years.Also excellent is co-lead singer Cindy Dudshoorn,with the band since 2003's MERLIN,who ,if there is any justice(there's not)could become an international star with her booming performances on FREEZING or SELF-MADE CASTLE.Actually,buy this and stop the disc on any of the 15 tracks and you'll discover one of the finest recording of progressive rock in ages."