Kino - Picture

Year of Release: 2005
Label: InsideOut
Catalog Number: IOMCD 200
Format: CD
Total Time: 54:58:00

Is it me, or are "superbands" popping out everywhere? Then again, if a couple of known musicians join together for a project or a band, is that a guarantee for success? I?m inclined to answer "yes" to both questions. Think back: Liquid Tension Experiment, Transatlantic, the Swedish Family (ok, maybe this one doesn't really count) and now Kino. Although a band like Transatlantic recorded a truckload of epic songs, and thus form an exception for me, I wouldn?t call these collaborations "superbands," though.

OK, let's focus on this last one: Kino, the German word for Cinema. Interesting to find an English band using a German name. John Mitchell (Arena, The Urbane), Peter Trewavas (ex-Transatlantic, Marillion), John Beck (It Bites) and Chris Maitland (ex-Porcupine Tree). These form the line up of Kino. And they are all well known in the prog community. But this has a disadvantage for them, as most likely all expectations are raised very high.

Honestly said, I have been a bit sceptical of the result. But after a few spins of the album, I have to say that these guys created a very good album, with definitely their own input in it. I knew Mitchell was a great guitar player, from the Arena albums and, most importantly, the live shows, but he turns out to be an OK singer. The music of Kino is a bit hard to describe. I would call it avant-garde prog. Although I am not familiar with It Bites, I think Kino brings a mixture of the styles of all involved bands. With some poppy songs, some prog, but also some heavy rock. But every song is different and has its own charm. Still, it might take you a while to get into the album. But once you are into it, you will discover its high quality songs and musicianship.

Kino is not formed as a side project, but as an actual band, although of course it has to be seen how long they will last. I for one hope they will last a long time, as we need fresh music and that is exactly what Kino brings. The combined talents in this band create a unique atmosphere that will captivate the listener. And the music will no doubt stand the test of time, as the compositions are absolutely timeless. So now you can go to the pictures in your own home, with the sound of Kino.

I haven't seen it yet, but based on the studio album, I can recommend the special edition, which contains a bonus DVD with the highlights of the Rockpalast show on it.

Tracklisting:
Losers Day Parade / Letting Go / Telling Me To Tell You / Swimming In Women / People / All You See / Perfect Tense / Room For Two / Holding On / Picture

Musicians:
John Beck - keyboards
John Mitchell - guitar, vocals
Chris Maitland - drums
Pete Trewavas - bass

Discography:
Picture (2005)
Cutting Room Floor (2005)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin UK

Added: March 29th 2005
Reviewer: Marcel Haster
Score:
Artist website: www.kinomusic.com
Hits: 2205
Language: english