Travelog CD, Import

I am a long-time prog fan, enjoying everything from KC, ELP, Yes, GG (the first time around in the mid-70s) to newer bands like SB, IZZ, Steven Wilson, and many others. I read a very positive review of the first Kinetic Elements album, but I was extremely disappointed. I wrote a very negative review, and Mike emailed me, very kindly politely, and we had a short discussion. I felt I woed him and the band a second chance.Things have gotten better here. There are moments of greatness, musically. For example, the fugal passage in Into the Lair is very nice, indeed. Other instrumental passages are also exciting, in places. Vocals are improved. I prefer the woman's voice on Lair to the others, though.The lyrics are still a little heavy-handed for my taste. While Lair is my favorite song, the topic is handled a bit simplistically. But the song itself is strong enough that I'm willing to forgive. But the rest of the lyrical content is a bit less literal and more allusive, which is a great step up.This is probably my last try on KE - great improvement, but still not great overall - but I'd be ready to buy a KE *instrumental* album and give that one a "spin" (OK, I know, bits don't spin to make sound).

Prog at it's best...If you will, it's kind of a cross between, Triumvirat, Glass Hammer, and ELP...and that ain't bad. Great keyboard work, very tasty guitars and awesome bass..and of course all the instruments blend together great...not to mention the vocals and the music flows very well...quite enjoyable...you won't be sorry if you purchase this album.

Eclectic, surreal, fun! Banana!

Just finished my first listen through TRAVELOG. All I can say is, "bravo." I really enjoyed POWERED BY LIGHT, but this one really takes some big steps in a very good direction. The writing and arrangements are always interesting, and the tracks develop and change in a very pleasing way. Each instrument shines in its own right, doing some cool and intricate stuff but never too much. Todd's instrumental guitar (and triangle) led section in the title track is just superb. Mike's keyboard driven, Bach-inspired fugue in the next track is one of the best things I've heard on a modern prog record in a long, long time. Drums and bass are consistently solid and interesting. Alternating between three different vocalists adds a feeling of diversity to the album that makes each track sound fresh and different from the others. The recording sounds great, and Fred and Steve's mix just sparkles...In fact, having mixed many albums myself I know the mix is of great importance, but amazingly at times I hear passages that actually SOUND like Glass Hammer. I can't wait to see what cool details emerge on subsequent listens...I have no doubt there will be many. Kudos to everyone involved, folks.

There's only so many times you can listen to the classic albums like Selling England by the Pound, Close to the Edge, etc. so long time progressive music fans like myself eventually need to search out the obscure bands. The process of researching and discovering obscure progressive bands can be both rewarding and frustrating, and unfortunately Kinetic Element falls into the latter category.The main problem with this album is the weak vocals. There is a different singer for each track on this album; the female vocalist on the third track ("Into the Lair") is actually quite good, but the others range from mediocre to downright awful. No matter how good the music is I simply can't overlook weak vocals, and they ruin 4 of the 5 tracks for me. It's a shame because the music itself is excellent and I would love this album if it was purely instrumental.

not a normal fan of Prog but this CD has changed my mind.

Great sound and wonderful band, highly recommend this album!!