Daphne (Laurel Tree) (Kayak, 1979)

"Phantom of The Night" is a rather good pop album by Kayak I don't especially recommend to the pure-prog friends that grace my blog, but it does includes some excellent tracks and even a properly progressive one, titled "Daphne (The Laurel Tree)". This song begins with an atmospheric ballad, very well written and arranged IMHO, then it rises up in tempo and volume, sounding like an epic song should, and featuring a very good instrumental coda.

 

This was the original cover of the album...

 

 

 ...and here's the re-issue one, taken from a 7" single art.

As usual with Kayak, the melody is excellent - and catchy too -  and all the instruments come in at the right moment, without any useless excess, but as majestically as they have to be in such a track. Really, this is a song that's worth a listening... and likely more.

Merlin (Kayak, 1981)

Merlin the Magician and the whole Arthurian saga were one of the most common literary sources for progressive rock lyrics. Kayak produced their own "Merlin" track in 1981 and it proved to be one of their most powerful ones. After a melodic, sweet section, the song - written by Ton Scherpenzeel - gets fully prog rock and is graced by devilish keys and one of the best vocal performances by Edward  Reekers. He also rules the subsequent tempo and mood changes.

"Merlin" was the eight studio album by Kayak.

The electric guitar comes is around minute 4 and adds a heavier edge to the song, introducing the final wall of sound in which all the instruments - leaded by a very Wakeman-like keyboard - do their best to please my prog ears. Useful to know, this track is but the first in a collection of five songs filling the A side of the original LP - also titled "Merlin" - all concerning the famous magician's story. And they all deserve your attention, IMHO. Last info: the band re-worked this material and released a longer suite on the same subject in 2003, "Merlin - Bard of The Unseen". This version's interesting too.

Hope for The Life (Kayak, 1973)

Back to Kayak, here's a song from their debut album "See See The Sun", a stunning track featuring vocal harmonies and basically bass-driven. Yes, Cees van Leeuwen's work is excellent and his interplays with Ton Scherpenzeel's piano and keys are one of the strongest points here. The rythm is really enthralling, but some melodic interludes enrich the texture of a song whose beauty grows up each time you listen to it.

"See See The Sun" still is a seminal album in Eauropean prog.

Also the guitar riff in the second half of the song is pleasant and adds one more melody to this flushing collection of tunes."Hope for The Life" proves how vast were the band's inspirations, able to mix Gentle Giant, Genesis, Yes and some Canterbury style for a good measure. The final result is an original style, rich in flavours but well balanced in its architecture. A stimulating listening, that's for sure.

They Get to Know Me (Kayak, 1974)

This dutch band always suggest mixed feelings: some say it's the most hidden treasure of the Netherlands, some argue it's just a pop band. I think they're really good: tue, they like melodies and also short songs, but is this a deadly sin? This 9 minute song, taken from their second self-titled album, shows how much fantasy they have both in composition and arrangements and how rich their palette is, filled with pastoral prog foggy nuances, sharp guitar flashes à la David Gilmour and - why not? - brilliant and catchy themes. That's why I like them and I still listen to this track.

 

An early '80s Kayak line up.

 

...But why sould you listen to this? Well, if you like bitter-sweet shiftings, romantic (but no pathetic) moods and well-built prog songs this is your cup of tea. Oh by the way, let me know what you think of those lyrics focusing on the end of adolescence.