KAIPA
"Notes
From the Past" (Inside Out Music; 2012)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
Kaipa, one of the leading Swedish progressive rock bands in the '70s, was put on ice during the '80s and '90s. Kaipa has been revived after two decades with a low-key, but fairly remarkable score of progressive rock called "Notes From The Past." Kaipa features Hans Lundin (who was with Kaipa since the band's origins in the early 1970s) and Roine Stolt of The Flower Kings (who played in Kaipa as a budding guitar maestro from his late teens through his early twenties).
Kaipa's brand of prog-rock is based in the folk tradition and expanded with symphonic touches. The arrangements are very impressive; Kaipa reminds me of Pink Floyd at their most progressive and atmospheric … times ten. As you might expect, there are long stretches of instrumental passages and at all times this material never fails to impress. Female vocals are included throughout as to add a different voice to the loosely structured story being told.
Kaipa's "Notes From The Past" is very low-key stuff, but high quality, low-key material. Fans of The Flower Kings, Transatlantic, Yes, early Genesis, and King Crimson will all find things to like in Kaipa's progressive rock journey.
Kaipa is Hans Lundin on keyboards, mellotron, Hammond organ, synthesizers, and vocals; and Roine Stolt on electric and acoustic guitars. Lundin and Stolt are jointed by Patrik Lundstrom on vocals, Jonas Reingold of The Flower Kings on bass, and Morgan Agren on drums.
For more information visit http://www.kaipa.info/.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2002 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
