Kenso - Uchi Naru Koe Ni Kaikiseyo. 2014 Japan

And after another lengthy break of eight years, Kenso returns with their 9th studio album Uchinaru Koe Ni Kaiki Seyo. Breaking tradition, for Kenso that is, the band have returned with an album that is in large part a followup to the previous work. So no major changes in direction here with fusion, hard rock, avant progressive - but rather the band seems to have found a comfy spot on the sofa to sit on. And that sweet spot, as it were, is their patented instrumental symphonic progressive rock that they first put on display so proudly on Kenso II. The flute, however, is sadly long gone and that was a critical component to their early 80s sound. They have also chosen to close with yet another female vocal track, this time in the form of a more classically leaning soprano. The underlying music, though, is unmistakably Kenso (even if there's a bit of funky business, to give us the requisite curve ball). If I were to pick a highlight track, I would go with 'Voice of Sankhara' which represents the album well in concise form. So while Uchinaru Koe Ni Kaiki Seyo doesn't break new ground, or leave one's jaw on the floor, Kenso have definitely delivered yet another solid set of modern instrumental melodic rock tunes. Reliable as they come, Kenso are. Yep.

Ownership: CD: 2014 Nexus

10/1/14 (new entry)