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K²
(pronounced K square) is a side project by L.A. based Atlantis
bassist Ken Jaquess and their conceptual debut “Book Of The Dead”
was underway for release for four years. But the result was worth
the long wait.
In pursuit of the famous seventies symphonic sound, Jaquess put an
ad for applicants mastering the vintage instruments. His guestbook
became quite impressive: vocalist Shaun Guerin used to front the
Genesis tribute band Cinema Show, and Ryo Okumoto was
ready to shave his Beard for this new space voyage.
But K² for and mostly marks the welcome return of Allan
Holdsworth onto the prog scene. His elaborated guitar solo,
launching the 23 minutes epic “Infinite Voyage”, makes this album
take off wonderfully. And then Yvette Devereaux’s melodic violin
playing takes away all doubt: this is getting into full blown UK
mode. If one would add John Wetton’s voice to all this, one would
assume
UK
reincarnated into K²! Instead we get Shaun Guerin’s Gabriel-esque
vocals and Okumoto’s Moog and piano playing, paying tribute to
classic Genesis.
Speaking of reincarnation, this music gets you on a higher spiritual
level, bringing the ancient Egyptian civilisation to mind. Inspired
by passages from the ever fascinating Book Of The Dead, the
mysterious mood is omnipresent thanks to tasteful layers of multiple
keyboards. It sounds like music at the origin of humankind. As if
the musicians are the high priests, telling the people a story,
predicting the afterlife!
“Mirror To The Spirits” and “The Edge Of Light” continue in the same
vein as the opening magnum opus, now emphasizing the musical themes
in a shorter format. “Aten” is a nice miniature, putting Ken Jaquess’
bass lines in the stellar spotlight. An intermezzo with a jazzy feel
that forms a bridge between the previous chapters and the final one.
“Cloak Of Antiquity” resumes the album with all the hallmark
ingredients of vintage prog, leading to a last great guitar solo.
The book ends as it began, thus closing the circle.
Shaun Guerin passed away short after its completion. I wouldn’t be
surprised if he has taken his rightful place among the Gods. |
