| The
Review |
I discovered Kaipa only about four
months ago where , as with most, I saw that Roine Stolt was
involved. I never had the opportunity to hear Kaipa, years
ago, in its original incarnation; their music simply was not
available in my section of the country. Now, thanks to the
internet and a global market that is no longer an issue! I
immediately picked up all of their recent releases. I’m going
to say it right now and get it off my chest: “I like this
band!” There, now that that’s out of the way...****
Ever since Kaipa’s re-emergence
back in 2001/2002 they have given us very strong releases.
Mindrevolutions, while a bit different, is every bit as strong
as it’s predecessors. Mindrevolutions, in a word, is excellent.
And, clocking in at nearly 80 minutes gives the listener plenty
to digest and enjoy. Kaipa returns with the same line up as
their previous two releases and this stability shows in tighter
playing and more intricate interplay. As opposed to “Keyholder”,
the previous release, Hans Lundin claims exclusive music writing
credits with Roine Stolt only given “lyrical” credits; thus
giving Mindrevolutions a bit of different feel without Roine’s
writing influence. This shows up particularly strong on some
lighter numbers that Lundin may have penned to compliment
Aleena’s rather unique voice.****
True to form, Midrevolutions gives
more lush and intricate compositions from Kaipa with awesome
keyboard work and some biting guitar, thanks to Mr. Stolt.
The disk contains ten songs with Mindrevolutions being the
center piece (literally and figuratively) and timing out at
nearly 26 minutes. It contains all the elements lovers of
progressive music enjoy ; lush sound, a lot of transitions,
various movements with segments that showcase each musicians
particular talents. Mindrevolutions plays around quite a bit
with a jazzy feel during the center segment of the song with
Lundstom, Stolt, and Reingold doing some serious interplay
in almost a three piece jazz tradition. But, progged up of
course!****
There really isn’t a week number
on the entire CD which says quite a bit for Lundin’s song
writing capability considering the demands of progressive
music and the length of the CD. Other cuts include the opener
“The Dodger” which grabs the listener right away thanks to
a rock solid guitar riff by Roine Stolt: almost a pop feel
on Electric Leaves”; and Caribbean feel on “A Pair Of Sunbeams”.
Besides Mindrevolutions, the songs are fairly short by progressive
standards with the longest just over eight minutes and three
songs actually under five.***
* It is difficult to talk about
Kaipa without discussing their vocals. Most would agree that
if they have a week spot it is in the vocal department. You
are either going to get Freddie Mercury sounding vocals from
Lundstrom or… Aleena. Much has been debated about Aleena with
most either liking her or hating her, and very few in between.
I am actually in between. She can best be defined as “quirky”.
I personally feel she sounds a bit like Cyndi Lauper, meets
Kate Bush, meets bjork. Definitely not your run of the mill
voice. But, it is by no means offensive. It is just different.
And for me, just quirky enough to be enjoyable. I admit that
I did have to get used to it at first but I enjoy the uniqueness
of it and, quite frankly, it blends well with the other male
voices when she is doing back up. She does carry the lead
vocal on half of the songs, which Lundin seems to have crafted
specifically for her unique voice, and she sings backup on
the rest. So like it or not, you get plenty of Aleena on this
CD. I understand there is a rather large contingent of folks
out there who do not like female voices with their prog. (i.e.
Glass Hammer) but I enjoy the difference. It adds another
dimension to the music. Please, please, please, do not hesitate
to get Mindrevolutions based on anyone’s opinion of the vocals.
The music is not to be missed!****
Kaipa continues to deliver great
progressive music on Mindrevolutions in what seems to be becoming
“The great Norwegian tradition”. It holds up after multiple
listenings and I strongly recommend it to all who enjoy great
progressive music with just a bit of a twist. ****
GRADE: A
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