Kaipa
Sattyg

Swedish progressive rock legends Kaipa are back with a new mischievous album, an album that makes up the dozen for them and this year, 2015 is their 30th years since the debut in 1975 as well. Not that too much of the band remains since that time but keyboardist and main creative force Hans Lundin does and his creations has kept on being interesting for a long time. This new album has the same kind of cover artwork as its predecessor, it looks a bit more exciting than the latest album though and the title is better as well. The question is whether or not it is better than the previous and if Kaipa has started to evolve considering that their latest works has been fairly similar even though they are a tad unique and exciting.

The last question however is not answered in a positive manner as it is kind of like the same style they established with the comeback album Notes From the Past almost 15 years ago. They have been polishing on this style since then and for every album they seem to be making strides towards perfecting their craft. The thing is though that the craft was perfect enough back when they released the amazing Keyholder, that album was so fantastic and gave a buzz that none of the following Kaipa albums have done for me. But this is a great production, the progressive rock music with hints of folk music and jazz, fusion and that stuff. An interesting concoction of elements making a whole that is unpredictable and interesting while still sounding distinctly like Kaipa. The production is top notch, the sound is just excellent and the band’s two vocalist impress highly, as does the instrumentalists and the clever song writing. Good variation over seven tracks as well, and long tracks makes this album over the hour long but all the excitement in the songs makes these 70 minutes fly by real quick.

It is an excellent album, no doubt about that. Just listen to the introductory song giving us a fifteen-minute epic to open the album is taking a bit of a risk but it is one that pays off really well. It is impressive production, an impressive album with some excellent songs and performances. At the same time there is something of a but here, I think they sound too much like they always do. Sure there are new songs and all of that but at the same time they use the same style and grips as they have always done and just like last time around I think they sound a bit predictable and that is something I don’t want a band like this to sound. Don’t mistake that for being bad though because this is a wonderful album in many regards, they do what they do brilliantly and the fans of the band will rejoice once again because they keep on delivering high quality music.

The opening track is the best on the album; this is the only time they really take off with something mischievous. After that it is business as usual for Kaipa, not that they are predictable or anything, but they are. After having heard their music for more than a decade I can easily deduce how the songs will sound, what ideas they will use and so on. It is a great album; no doubt about it and fans of the band and progressive rock will find this one hell of a fantastic album. I like it but I wish that Kaipa would bring out something that is as striking as the keyholder album was.

HHHHHHH