07-05-2021, 19:33
KAYAK ~ Out of This World
![[Image: a2841527487_7.jpg]](https://f4.bcbits.com/img/a2841527487_7.jpg)
These guys are absolute pros – they really know the score, so to speak! Ton Scherpenzeel understands very well how to lead his crew in what seems to me to be a superbly orchestrated release. It may sound anachronistic to some people, which I suppose is what it is, in a way – and that’s not a problem at all – it’s so stylishly put together that it is a relief - one’s ears are in safe hands, Lol!
Fantastic double album for lovers of good, old fashioned, symphonic rock. There is one instrumental - could have been a few more of those, in my view – they do them well, and therein lies my biggest criticism – a little more breathing room would have been just perfect. They do also sometimes trot out lyrics that are a tiny bit twee, however, considering English is not their first language, that is entirely forgivable, I’d say.
Capable musicians who know song structure, there are displays of virtuosity in places and some clever flourishes (Spanish guitar in “Red Rag to a Bull”, for example). I think it mighty fortuitous that Scherpenzeel is still ably overseeing matters, with all his years of experience and good sense – things could have become overblown had there not been a mature hand in the final say, is my fond imagining.
Somewhat less cohesive than their previous album, Seventeen, on first listening, which should not make it any less worthy of an airing. Bart Schwertman is a power vocalist and Ton himself can still belt it out in rock god style, health issues notwithstanding. Marcel Singor, a newish addition, wields his axe with finesse – not too many frills – he is also the singer on three tracks – unusual voice (I rudely referred to chipmunks before - sorry Marcel!). I’m sure he could let rip on that guitar if given enough rope, which he isn’t, and the album strikes a fine balance – a team at work. Tasteful without being boring and not tedious despite the one hour and ten minutes duration. A good mix of what I suppose you’d call arena rock and ballads - warm, story style music with some meat on the bones. Will pick it up when the world settles back down on it's wobbly axis and postal services resume with some reliability!
Found this after the fact - Ton Scherpenzeel - “Many people seem to consider the past year as a lost year, due to Covid. I don’t. I am not saying it was great, but it made me realize, once more, how fragile we all are. How connected everything and everyone is, with actions and consequences that touch us all. And that, on a smaller scale, and much closer to home, the new Kayak album could only have turned out the way it did. More than ever, it is clear that working with each other on this level can never be taken for granted. It requires dedication, and respect for each other’s talents and input. That’s the foundation upon which Kayak in 2021 is built.” https://www.sonicperspectives.com/news/k...his-world/
Some links, in chronological order …
The opener which is also the title track - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ip2rdM52k-8
The instrumental – “Kaja” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLnKxpwzw28
“Critical Mass” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3ozweqRokI
Oh – what the hell – the whole album - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OL...vWvd8xq9J0
Gotta pick one tho' – so here it is … a sombre but beautiful ballad … (not representative of the whole) ...
These guys are absolute pros – they really know the score, so to speak! Ton Scherpenzeel understands very well how to lead his crew in what seems to me to be a superbly orchestrated release. It may sound anachronistic to some people, which I suppose is what it is, in a way – and that’s not a problem at all – it’s so stylishly put together that it is a relief - one’s ears are in safe hands, Lol!
Fantastic double album for lovers of good, old fashioned, symphonic rock. There is one instrumental - could have been a few more of those, in my view – they do them well, and therein lies my biggest criticism – a little more breathing room would have been just perfect. They do also sometimes trot out lyrics that are a tiny bit twee, however, considering English is not their first language, that is entirely forgivable, I’d say.
Capable musicians who know song structure, there are displays of virtuosity in places and some clever flourishes (Spanish guitar in “Red Rag to a Bull”, for example). I think it mighty fortuitous that Scherpenzeel is still ably overseeing matters, with all his years of experience and good sense – things could have become overblown had there not been a mature hand in the final say, is my fond imagining.
Somewhat less cohesive than their previous album, Seventeen, on first listening, which should not make it any less worthy of an airing. Bart Schwertman is a power vocalist and Ton himself can still belt it out in rock god style, health issues notwithstanding. Marcel Singor, a newish addition, wields his axe with finesse – not too many frills – he is also the singer on three tracks – unusual voice (I rudely referred to chipmunks before - sorry Marcel!). I’m sure he could let rip on that guitar if given enough rope, which he isn’t, and the album strikes a fine balance – a team at work. Tasteful without being boring and not tedious despite the one hour and ten minutes duration. A good mix of what I suppose you’d call arena rock and ballads - warm, story style music with some meat on the bones. Will pick it up when the world settles back down on it's wobbly axis and postal services resume with some reliability!
Found this after the fact - Ton Scherpenzeel - “Many people seem to consider the past year as a lost year, due to Covid. I don’t. I am not saying it was great, but it made me realize, once more, how fragile we all are. How connected everything and everyone is, with actions and consequences that touch us all. And that, on a smaller scale, and much closer to home, the new Kayak album could only have turned out the way it did. More than ever, it is clear that working with each other on this level can never be taken for granted. It requires dedication, and respect for each other’s talents and input. That’s the foundation upon which Kayak in 2021 is built.” https://www.sonicperspectives.com/news/k...his-world/
Some links, in chronological order …
The opener which is also the title track - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ip2rdM52k-8
The instrumental – “Kaja” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLnKxpwzw28
“Critical Mass” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3ozweqRokI
Oh – what the hell – the whole album - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OL...vWvd8xq9J0
Gotta pick one tho' – so here it is … a sombre but beautiful ballad … (not representative of the whole) ...
"The surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that it has never tried to contact us." ~ Bill Watterson
