Meet the Flower Kings

Let's face it, the 21st century prog rock scene has never been healthier. Since it has been allowed to grow completely outside the substance-destroying gaze of the entertainment industry at large, and hasn't even been considered by the think-tank of the death machine (corporate radio), it has been allowed to grow undisturbed by the usual forces of entropy. Bands like Magellan, Spock's Beard, Neal Morse's Testimony project -- just to name a few. The Flower Kings on this double-disc, live CD, featuring six compositions ("Garden of Dreams" is in two parts, making for a total of seven tracks) offer one of the brightest views yet of a band whose obsession with musical exploration and complex harmonic issues never, ever gets in the way of an honest expression of "song," and the human emotions and narratives within it. Led by guitarist and vocalist Roine Stolt, this Swedish septet offers a live outing every bit as adventurous as their studio offerings. Stolt's debt to Yes' Jon Anderson and Steve Hackett is still everywhere evident, but his lyrics are not consciously obtuse, and are drenched in life-affirming scenarios. Musically, the band's reliance on melody and harmony to carry forth their edgier musical explorations is a real blessing; they welcome the listener inside their sound world and make them a part of their sprawling musical narratives. One listen to the monolithic opener, "The Truth Will Set You Free," (clocking in at over 31 minutes), or Disc Two's 26-minute-plus closer, "Stardust We Are," proves that good music has no expiration date, and that inspiration is a deep well that knows no prejudices. This is the real stuff: brave, elegant, ambitious and yes, soulful.