'This Winter Machine' frontman 'Al Winter' has not been helped by the events of the last two years because, after 'The Man Who Never Was' in 2017 and 'A Tower of Clocks' in 2018, 'Kites' is his third studio recording which took longer than expected given that it was forced during 2020, after the entire band had left (some having gone on to another adventure create 'Ghost Of The Machine'), to recruit a new team. In this new album of rebirth, he continues to offer us refined progressive with influences from major bands of the 70s/80s and the theme revolves around the twists and turns of life, pictured by a kite being tossed by the wind but still having that point of attachment to the ground serving as our guide.
The short instrumental 'Le Jour D'avant' begins the album in an original piano/guitar duet with some dissonant sounds and, after an injunction to stay inside one's house that describes, in one sentence, the madness that has taken over the authorities on a global level, Part 1 of 'The Storm', deploys an energetic rhythmic first part with a sense of urgency that transforms midway through into an atmospheric 'Floydian' part with a beautiful guitar solo by 'Mark Abrahams' who has joined the legendary band 'Wishbone Ash' in 2017 and reminds me of the Germans from 'Abarax', then, part 2 of 'The Storm', introduced by stream noises, offers us, first, a bucolic guitar/vocal soundscape, with childhood memories of complete freedom from moments outside to enjoy the peace and quiet, then a more powerful instrumental second part with a remarkable new guitar solo. The quiet instrumental interlude 'Limited' which follows, bridges the gap between 'The Storm' and 'Pleasure & Purpose' (see video above) which is one of the album's major compositions in a gripping mood and whose two successive guitar solos in the second half are a pure delight. Still with a soft and tranquil feel, 'This Heart's Alive' continues our beautiful journey with a memorable melody that never leaves us, making it another emotionally charged highlight, then, follows 'Whirpool' which is another instrumental break with, this time, a more energetic atmosphere before the beautiful ballad 'Broken' (see video here) written by former keyboardist 'Mark Numan' which takes us back into a wonderful moment of serenity. With the semi-acoustic 'Sometimes', it's another beautiful moment that awaits us and features the beautiful vocals of 'Peter Jones' from 'Tiger Moth Tales' and 'Camel' who is involved in various other projects, the latest being 'Lee Abraham's' latest studio recording, 'Only Human'. And to end this beautiful album on an optimistic note, the album's eponymous track takes us on a joyous progressive saga in a light and catchy atmosphere with the message of this kite being blown away by the wind with this beautiful last sentence : ‘someday we’ll be kites for the last time'.
In summary, despite a complete overhaul of this formation, this third album of 'The Winter Machine' is still a great success and takes us on a beautiful progressive journey filled with a beautiful sensitivity and catchy melodic lines which destines 'Kites' to all those who love an inventive and accessible progressive in subtle and delicate atmospheres... | |
