I've always found it interesting how, when I listen to certain music, I am able to date the recordings. You know, that tell-tale sound of many songs from the 60's, 70's, and 80's. Even though a few of today's groups attempt to emulate those sounds-with some re-creating an interesting nostalgic quality-I can usually pinpoint its place in time by the style of the music and quality of the production. Conversely, some music actually seems to transcend that tendency. If you have never previously heard any of Kerry Livgren's music, I would have you to listen to "Incomudro - Hymn To The Atman" from Song For America by Kansas, "The Fury" from Art Of The State by AD, and "Xylon (The Tree)" from his latest release, When Things Get Electric. Then I would challenge you to be able to identify the release dates as 1975, 1985, and 1995.
Livgren has again released a work that defies categorization-not only with regard to time, but also style (except maybe rock) and even "Christian" or "secular" labels. This album seems to buck the system in its refusal to be pigeon-holed.
The theme here is decidedly eschatological, with most of the songs referring to end times, in which he seems to believe we are now living. In the title track he states:
When morning's come, and shadows have fled We'll be walking where angels have tread Darkness turns, fleeing the light The curtain rising, ending the reign of the night When things get electric, when everything's done We'll stand in the open and shine (like the sun) This moment's so fleeting, the blink of an eye When things get electric, we're all gonna fly (It's sweet by and by)
When Things Get Electric is very reminiscent of Prime Mover and other Kerry Livgren/AD works, and has some definite Kansas-esque movements. "Two Thousand Down" and "No Holds Barred" are my personal favorites because of their ability to challenge my driving skills while playing "lap drums." "Throw Me Down" has a movement in the middle that brings to mind the days of "theater rock" with groups like Kansas and Emerson, Lake, and Palmer or even Queen. I will take this opportunity to proclaim "One Dark World" a spiritual sequel to the Kansas hit "Dust In The Wind"-evoking the feeling of utter abandonment on this lonely planet floating in space, yet providing the hope of salvation in Christ and going home to be with our Creator. The only song which I can really compare closely to another artist is "Racing Away," which bears a striking resemblance to Greg X. Volz.
The only down-side of the album is the fact that most of the players are virtually unknown. This eliminates the luxury of a familiar lead vocal. It soon becomes an asset, however, as it only took two times through to become very comfortable with Darren Rodgers and Jason Beddoe, who share the lead vocalist job. Certainly David Ragsdale, who plays violin on a couple cuts, doesn't fall in to the unknown category, especially if you're a Kansas fan. Livgren even gets his family in the act-his nephew Jake Livgren, and sister-in-law Roxanne Livgren sing background vocals. Also Livgren's children, Katy and Kyle get in on the fun, with Kyle offering a spoken-word performance on "Turn On The Lights."
No doubt a must-have album, not only for Kansas/AD/Livgren fans, but also for anyone who enjoys good rock music with a unique approach and an eternal value.
Similar sounding releases
1994JerusalemProphet
1993PetraWake Up Call
1992In ReachWaterline
1993DeGarmo & KeyHeat It Up
1995Vox DeiCiudad Distante
1992FighterBang the Drum
