Search - Kayak :: Close to the Fire

Close to that wonderful Fire!

Thor | Chanhassen, MN United States | 06/30/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Close to the Fire is indeed a welcome surprise! After many long years waiting for Kayak CD's to emerge at all, I now have a new album plus other re-releases to feast on! On their latest album, Kayak returns with the ship intact, and with most of the bases covered. Probably the main necessity, the songwriting, from Ton and Pim, is still wonderful and moving, retaining the haunting mystery and power that is Kayak's trademark. It's aslso great to hear Max back at lead vocals, though at times he sounds a little weary. But we must remember that it is 2001, not 1975, when Royal Bed Bouncer was center stage and all was right with the world! Though Royal Bed Bouncer was smack dab in the center of that Fire, Close to the Fire comes very close, and these days close is just as good as in the center. Rob Winter's electric guitar doesn't satisfy quite as thoroughly as Johann Slager, but it is close enough to get you by. Again, the strength of Kayak was always hinged on the songwriting, and there is no problem here. Besides the title cut, favorites include the magestic "Crusader," "Frozen Flame," "Two Wrongs," and "Anybody's Child." The inclusion of the remake of "Ruthless Queen" is adequate, but unnnecessary. All in all, a splendid comeback from the dutch boys, who in my opinion, are one of the most over-looked musical groups of all time. Of course, musical tastes are entirely subjective, but you'll be hard pressed to find the combination of rock, progressive rock, classical and traditional music on as fine a display as Kayak music. For any newcomers this album is a fine introduction, but you must check out other favorites: Royal Bed Bouncer (with my favorite cut being "Chance for a Lifetime," with Johann Slager's crunching guitar spurred on by Max's manic vocals and Ton's genius songwriting straddling rock and renaissance styles with equal dexterity), Starlight Dancer, Phantom of the Night and Merlin. May the Dutch Boys "cover the world" with their music forever!"

Belated Return.. and Not so Welcome

Paul Allaer | Cincinnati | 08/11/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I am a big Kayak fan (see my reviews of Royal Bed Boucer, Classics, See See The Sun).... and it pains me to tell you that this album doesnt live up to the promise...The "classic" line-up returns (Ton Scherpenzeel, Max Werner, Pim Koopman, Bert Veldkamp) and I thought I'd be in for a nostalgia trip back to the See See the Sun/Royal Bed Bouncer.. but I was in for a disappointment. The trip back is to the "Ruthless Queen" era (which song incidentally is redone, but, not surprisingly, not as good as the original).The album is perfect AOR... all rather mid-tempoed, if not slow, but nice melodies. Not to say that there aren't any good songs on the album. The opener "Close to the Fire" is an 8 min. mini-epic that sets the tone for the album, mid-tempo, soaring melodies and vocals. All in all... 65 min of "Ruthless Queen/Starlight Dancer/Phantom of the Night" type music... If that is your idea of Kayak, then this is a most welcome return and it'll be a 5 star CD. For me, I was hoping something more adventorous... hence the 3 star rating."

Very good, cd

David J. Pagden | Cambridge, S.Ontario Canada | 05/29/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I went mad and bought a lot of Camel cd's without dissapointment. Hearing Andrew Latimer on this album as guest guitarist was a thrill. Kayak is a band new to me and quite refreshing, sounding more like Asia(John Wetton), Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins. After several plays, this music grows on you and full of melody. Tracks that stand out are worth the money is Close to the Fire, When Hearts Grow Cold, Crusader, Frozen Flame and their best of all, Full Circle, which has a celtic feel to it. This is my very first Kayak cd and will probably continue this bands collection. Excellent cd and worth the listen and purchase."