Reviews
KAIPA Reviews
"Kaipa’s Sommargryningsljus, a Masterpiece
The key to Kaipa’s success lies in Hans Lundin’s exceptional talent as a keyboard virtuoso, arranger, and composer. His keen eye for recruiting new talent further bolsters the band’s strength. Notably, the group features the exquisite vocals of Aleena Gibson, undoubtedly one of the best singers in the current progressive rock scene.
Lundin, a master of symphonic progressive rock infused with Swedish folk influences, consistently delivers masterful keyboard orchestrations and memorable synth solos. Additionally, Sommargryningsljus features spectacular, epic guitar work by Per Nilsson. Meanwhile, Aleena Gibson not only exhibits her talent as a lead vocalist but also provides fantastic backing vocals, enriching the band’s sound.
The rhythm section is equally spectacular, featuring dazzling ensemble work characterized by creative drumming and bass. Moreover, the solid interplay among the musicians adds depth and dynamism to Kaipa’s overall performance."
"An album of classy, immersive symphonic prog by these Swedish masters, with lush, complex melodies and textures throughout, which has beauty within the depths of the music that draws you into their wonderful melodic world. This is an involving album that requires you to invest some serious listening time, for which you will be richly rewarded as each play reveals many different layers."
"Kaipa — Sommargryningsljus 10/10
Anyone familiar with Kaipa's music will be accustomed to the very dexterous and imaginative keyboard talents of band leader, Hans Lundin. His legendary skills as a consummate composer and writer of some truly remarkable music is further advanced by the very creative and absorbing music he and his bandmates have offered with their latest album. This is simply a marvellous body of work that must surely stand as one of the best albums from 2024. Run, don't walk and grab a copy today. Highly recommended."
"This is an album that will require your involvement and an investment of your time that you will not regret one bit, for this album is full of superb tracks with some excellent extended musical passages. Overall, this is another excellent album from Kaipa. Fans of symphonic progressive music will find much to enjoy herein, it is a wonderful release that is most definitely worthy of investigation. Strong melodies, fascinating instrument development sections, and excellent musicianship."
"Kaipa’s Sommargryningsljus 10/10
With ‘Sommargryningsljus‘, Kaipa solidifies their position as stalwarts of symphonic progressive rock, delivering an album that is lush, intricate, and deeply satisfying. It is a powerful reminder of their enduring relevance and an album that both long-time fans and newcomers will find much to enjoy."
"Ein Meilenstein - selbst in der hoch dekorierten Diskografie dieser Legende! 10/10"
"Det är detta Kaipa som fansen har kommit att älska sedan återfödelsen med ”Notes from the past” 2002. Det är en klurig och påhittig progrock på folkmusikalisk botten, där de tre sångarna – Patrik Lundström, Aleena Gibson och Lundin själv – vänslas i yster älskog och där Lundins klaviaturer dansar med Per Nilssons gitarrsolon på ett sätt så att man knappt kan tyda vem som spelar vad. ”Like thousand dawns”, ”Chased by wolves and burned by the sun”, ”Spiderweb train” - titlarna talar sitt eget tydliga språk. Här är det inre resor som gäller snarare än ytliga betraktelser."
More reviews: Sommargryningsljus
"The songs are top notch and believe me, they are breathtakingly beautiful. There isn’t a note out of place, not one piece of music isn’t how you would expect it to be. And the further you get into “Urskog”, the more the sound evolves from the seventy’s vibe into the fusion and JOE SATRIANI feel, but always maintaining that delicate balance that gives the music that extra bit of brilliance. 10/10 MASTERPIECE - Songwriting: 10 - Musicianship: 10 - Memorability: 10 - Production: 10"
”It’s a delightful experience from start to finish, filled with upbeat positivity – you can’t help but pick up on the vibe. Kaipa again sound like no one but themselves, and for me they instil all that can be good about progressive rock. And if this isn’t at the top of my list of albums for 2022, I’ll be astonished.”
“An album that floats and make you float in a cloud of positiveness and beauty only experience and the inspiration drawn from the exuberant Swedish nature could bring.”
“They create celebratory sonic worlds filled with a childlike sense of wonder, hope, and possibility.”
“This is truly classic prog at its finest, without a mistake or bad direction, either musically or lyrically.”
“The perfect storm of classic melodic progressive rock, highly enjoyable and quite recommended.”
“The whole album has an upbeat energy that suggests it was recorded with sunshine streaming through the studio windows. This is proper prog and no mistake.”
“A well-crafted and creative album...full of long instrumental sections, superbly played by all involved. A bright album full of positive energy that creates a feel good factor.”
More reviews: Children Of The Sounds
“Sattyg is simply wonderful throughout, a fascinating addition to the now extensive Kaipa catalogue. They really don’t put a foot wrong here in an exhilarating display of invention and musical celebration.”
“This in simply one the best and most complete Swedish retro prog rock albums ever released. Their blend of folk, prog and fusion really comes together on this album, and they show the prog world how a prog rock album with strong Swedish roots is put together!
“As I hit play, the sun slowly rose upon the meadow, burning away the fog to reveal something truly wondrous.”
“There are not many bands that can produce music like this, which literally sucks you into the experiences and reflections that the vocalists are describing, all the while taking you on a journey that weaves here and there, this way and that, and ultimately leaves you as the song fades away in your ears with one over-riding thought.. Superb!”
“I think most prog fans would travel great distances barefoot over stony ground to hear music like this and there are many, many bands I can think of who would doubtless give their eye teeth to create something as lavish and sumptuous as In The Wake...”
“In short, "In The Wake Of Evolution" is pure genius. The intricacy in which the melodies dance alongside and around each other on each track, as well as the sheer diversity of the album's content, is mind-blowing. Kaipa truly smash up the musical barriers that restrict so many artists, never allowing them to reach their potential.”
More reviews: In the wake of evolution
“The album is a joyful and spiritual experience, packed with everything from poetic beauty to mindboggling instrumental extravaganza. It offers some of the grooviest and most successful 7/8 time signatures ever made in "The Fleeting Existence Of Time" and breathtaking beauty in "Path Of Humbleness," which must be among the most beautiful pieces of music ever written.”
“With superb musicianship, charming vocal harmonies and imaginative song craftwork, Kaipa has successfully incorporated sounds both old and new, building a bridge between the '70s and the '00s. Enchanting and electrifying, Angling Feelings represents both the overwhelming potential and the very best aspects of contemporary progressive rock.”
More reviews: Angling feelings
“Expect the unexpected. Expect brilliant vocal harmonies and a catchy groove to just appear out of seemingly nowhere. Expect for the guitar solos to lift you and take you through both time and space. Expect for time to stand still as you gaze in wonder at all the amazing colors and imagery that is painted across your mind. Expect to hear something you haven't heard before. Expect to know that Kaipa is pure uninhibited progressive prowess at its peak. Expect to love this album as much as you loved the last one. They continue to amaze me and everyone else, even after 30 years.”
“A true progressive rock masterpiece.”
“Keyholder plunges us one again into the deep rolling sea of a musical acid trip. Filled with every color and texture, Keyholder paints extraordinary pictures with watercolors yet to be defined and thoughts yet to be collected. Any progressive fan will easily see the beauty and majesty of this grand expanse of musical freedom. Now sit back, relax, and ride upon the coattails of your imagination. Those who helped define progressive music are still the masters.”
"The overall effect is simply breathtaking. Pure mastery of prog rock essentials. The music itself takes us back into the 70s, then hurls us back into the 90s and into the future. KAIPA is a bridge between the past and the future. It has no prejudice while looking back into the crazy 70s and no fear looking into the uncertain future. To sum up, rarely do we get the chance to hear such an amazing musical production."
