Description: The Absence of Presence by Kansas [Limited Edition] [Digipak] [CD & Blu-ray Disc] Track Listing: 1 The Absence of Presence 2 Throwing Mountains 3 Jets Overhead 4 Propulsion 1 5 Memories Down the Line 6 Circus of Illusion 7 Animals on the Roof 8 Never 9 The Song the River Sang CD + Blu-ray edition. 2020 release. With a legendary career spanning nearly five decades, Kansas has firmly established itself as one of America's iconic classic rock bands. The band is currently comprised of original drummer Phil Ehart, bassist/vocalist Billy Greer, vocalist/keyboardist Ronnie Platt, violinist/guitarist David Ragsdale, keyboardist/vocalist Tom Brislin, guitarist Zak Rizvi, and original guitarist Richard Williams. With no signs of slowing down, Kansas continues to perform in front of large and enthusiastic audiences around the world. The summer of 2020 marks the release of THE ABSENCE OF PRESENCE, Kansas's sixteenth studio album! --- In 2016, America's eternally popular prog juggernaut Kansas returned to studio recording for the first time since their 2000 reunion outing Somewhere to Elsewhere. The resultant The Prelude Implicit also marked debuts for lead vocalist/keyboardist Ronnie Platt, and guitarist Zak Rizvi. Remarkably, it reflected the band's vintage sonic signature and songwriting/arranging chops without craven nostalgia. Four years on, Absence of Presence builds on the strengths of its predecessor, yet goes far deeper into the prog aesthetic. Kansas' popularity is based on the canny balance of meaty prog and radio-friendly melodic rock. Here, that strategy is more prevalent than on The Prelude Implicit. The title-track opener juxtaposes David Ragsdale's omnipresent violin (Kansas is the only American band with this trademark), chunky, hard rock guitars from Rich Williams and Rizvi, new member Tom Brislin's arpeggiated and rhythmically rich keyboards, a prodding bassline from Billy Greet, and majestic drumming from Phil Ehart, all spiraling into a commanding prog jam. Platt's singing, while not similar to retired member Steve Walsh's, is crystalline, evocative, and deeply expressive. "Throwing Mountains" intros with thunderous guitars and attenuated violin fills before Platt delivers wide-eyed hopeful lyrics that acknowledge adversity as a necessary stage in triumph. Second single "Jets Overhead" offers a gorgeous synth hook as its melodic frame. The twinned electric guitar riffs and processional tom-toms underscore Ragsdale's violin and the droning bassline to usher the set's most memorable track. Cleverly, Kansas follow with "Propulsion 1," an explosive, labyrinthine instrumental. Given the [pandemic] world this album emerges in, "Memories Down the Line" is eerily prescient. A signature Kansas power ballad, its lyrics reflect the end of civilization as we know it: "Send these memories down the line/Our trials and tribulations/Send these memories down the line/And let them know we tried/Lessons locked insideā¦." While the philosophical melancholy and existential angst remain in "Circus of Illusion," the music is more aggressive, knotty, and yes, hooky. "Animals on the Roof" is a forceful and dramatic prog number driven by Ehart. The power-riffing guitars and Ragsdale's swirling violin meet syncopated rhythms as Platt rises above the maelstrom. While "Never" is a graceful, anthemic paean to self-determination and redemption, closer "The Song the River Sang" follows more intimate and intricate terrain before erupting into passionate prog. The band wind bluesy, metallic guitars into colliding synths and clavinets, ambient sounds, and chunky rock grooves. Fans will find Absence of Presence a welcome addition to Kansas' catalog that is indeed comparable to their best recordings. For non-followers, it is both a musically and stylistically excellent example of 21st century American prog rock. ~ Thom Jurek, AllMusic Shipping^ - Order typically "ships" within a business day after receipt of cleared payment ("Delivery" information provided below). Various shipping options available at check out. (Delivery time a factor? Utilizing one of the alternative shipping options*.)* - additional fees may apply "FREE Shipping" via USPS Media Mail** (Per US Postal Service [USPS] delivery may take up to 3-4 weeks. Other delivery options available at check out.*). CD, Cassette & Vinyl Record inventory is new and provided by licensed &/or authorized dealers/vendors. Buyer responsible for correct shipping address. MOWC only ships to verified/valid PayPal shipping addresses. No International or P. O. Box shipping. 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Price: 23.95 USD
Location: Tarzana, California
End Time: 2024-11-10T08:05:45.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Style: Progressive/Art Rock, Album Rock, Arena Rock
Type: Album
Case Type: Digipak
Language: English
Edition: Limited Edition
Features: Digipak, Includes 5.1 Audio Mix Blu-ray Disc
Artist: Kansas
Record Label: Inside Out U.S.
Format: CD
Release Year: 2020
Release Title: The Absence of Presence
Genre: Rock