The Flower Kings
Retropolis

I will never get tired of repeating that prog is not dead... especially after listening to a versatile band like the Flower Kings. A band that no lover of the most classic prog-rock can do without, because when you listen to them for the first time, you'll seriously regret never having done so before. These Swedes really seem to succeed in resurrecting that era with its extremely refined melodies and thanks to an attention to arrangements never left to chance. And if that weren't enough, they also add their own touch, managing to surprise with unique music and original tunes here and there.

This "Retropolis" can be considered (perhaps jointly with the subsequent "Stardust We Are") the band's masterpiece where everything comes in the right measure. A compact, dynamic, and fluid work that does not tire even after many listens. The 11 tracks that compose it maintain a consistent style but without absolutely being copies of one another. The intro "Rythm Of Life" is entrusted to the sound of two players playing ping pong. A great way to introduce the album! It needed a particular intro to foreshadow the greatness we are about to hear, and I would say the choice was spot on! We hear the ball bounce on the table and then shatter against glass before moving on to the next track. And here comes the title-track immediately: eleven minutes of instrumental really of excellent quality between symphonic atmospheres generated by the mellotron, splendid guitar solos supported by a beautiful Hammond organ in the background, and a nice percussive drumming as well as beautiful complex passages of synthesizer and Hammond! The instrumental that everyone would want! "Rythm Of The Sea" is instead suitable for those who love to lose themselves in atmospheres and emotions! A delicate track opened by a very gentle acoustic guitar, then some splashes of synthesizer and then ample space for atmospheric and symphonic openings. "There Is More To This World" instead has a strong rhythmic impact that gives it a lively and cheerful aspect. Opened by a nice synth passage, the track shows a particular emphasis on the Hammond organ, but does not abandon the more atmospheric side, which emerges beyond the middle of the track, at the most relaxed moment. After "Romancing The City", a nice piano interlude, here we are facing "The Melting Pot"; nothing to do with the famous jeans brand, this is a delightful instrumental track with a suggestive and relaxed atmosphere, almost jazzy, with the saxophone as the protagonist to confer this peculiar aspect. Very much a nightclub track, I would say, but also suitable as the soundtrack for a nice moment of relaxation. Another noteworthy track is "Silent Sorrow" with a jazzy rhythm (especially in the central part) and characterized by a fairly lively melody; the instrumental part is beautiful, which with those complex synthesizer and guitar passages turns out to be one of the most successful moments of the album. "The Judas Kiss" does not enter the head as easily, but then it is appreciated as much as the other tracks; the instrumental passage with the Hammond protagonist is striking, but the more relaxed parts are also remarkable! "Retropolis By Night" is instead a brief concentrate of electronic loops that in three minutes also shows us the band's more modern side. Then another instrumental masterpiece, "Flora Majora" with commendable Hammond and synth parts and a rather sustained rhythm, but even the guitar parts seem very inspired and offer good melodies. A note-worthy closure with "Road Back Home" with an excellent acoustic approach and a delicate rhythm, but also with a nice central synth solo!

Really an album worthy of note, one of the best products progressive rock has produced in the '90s! The listening recommendation goes especially to '70s prog nostalgics, but I would consider it even for those who want to approach the genre and want to discover it in its classicism! Try it. It won't be easy to appreciate it right away, but I think after a while, you won't regret it!