KANSAS - Leftoverture

Kansas are an American rock band who first arrived on the music scene in the early seventies.

Led by the song writing talents of vocalist Steve Walsh and guitar maestro Kerry Livgren, Kansas brought to the American market a different approach to the genre that was classified as Progressive Rock. Strong symphonic neo classical flavours were bonded with traditional rock riffs to produce a distinctive sound.

Even though early albums failed to generate significant sales but the band profile was growing as the second half of the seventies arrived.

A breakthrough album was imminent as the band evolved their musical approach to encompass a multitude of styles.
The reward for their efforts came with the release of 'Leftoverture' their fourth album.

In truth they had come close with their previous release 'Masque' but a major marketing failure to promote the album and give it global perspective left it effectively dead in the water despite being an inspired collection of tracks.

'Leftoverture' was not allowed to make this mistake and the key to its success came with the early release of the single from the album 'Carry On Wayward Son'.

The track became an instant radio hit across America as well as having cult status across the waters where the band had not previously toured.

When the all time rock top ten is announced and the likes of More Than A Feeling' by Boston and 'Don't Stop Believin' by Journey are mentioned; you cannot ignore this masterpiece from Kansas.

Power chords, swirling keyboards and an amazing vocal make the track one of the most played on the airwaves and rightly so.

The strength of 'Leftoverture' is not about one song, it is about the overall package with many of the tracks truly striking an emotional chord with your heart strings.

A particular favourite for me is 'Miracles Out Of Nowhere' for me is so atmospherically charged. The arrangement is wonderful and the song itself a melodic gem containing beautiful lyrics.

'On a crystal morning I can see the dewdrops falling
Down from a gleaming heaven, I can hear the voices call'

'What's On My Mind' is another full on dramatic offering with some hard edged guitar as well as some fine use of keyboard and strings. Seventies Prog rock in the UK was very Tolkeinesque while the American equivalent had more lyrical potency.

The group made such intelligent use of all instruments and the involvement of strings on this number courtesy of Robbie Steinhardt was a unique aspect of their sound which placed them ahead of the pack.

Many Kansas songs relate to social conscience and the real highlight of the album is thought provoking classic if ever there was one.

I defy anybody not be moved by the intensity of 'Cheyenne Anthem' with its story of the removal of a society from their homelands and culture.

This is a quite breathtaking ballad that picks up cinematic speed towards its conclusion.
'Leftoverture' is truly a landmark album of the seventies and holds up well against the competition.

The window of success was relatively short lived for Kansas as was the attractive formula they delivered. The American prog rock dream has always had a known shelf life and unless the ability is there to re-invent yourself; the tag of anonymity is quickly acquired.

One more classic followed in the follow up 'Point Of Know Return' but in truth after that and even up to this present day the band have existed on past glories.

Harsh words possibly but the band have nothing to justify as they did reach that pinnacle and for a while there served up the best music that was going.

'Leftoverture' is a true statement of the quality that was Kansas.