KAYAK – Anywhere But Here (2011)

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One group that never quite gained the wider fame it should have was Dutch KAYAK.
Formed around the talents of keyboardist Ton Scherpenzeel and drummer Pip Koopman, Kayak played a mixture of melodic rock, pop&rock and progressive music since their 1972 debut.
While many prog related bands enjoyed massive success in the ’70s, Kayak never quite got it together enough to break through in a big way.
However, in a topsy-turvy ride that featured a remarkable renaissance, they left behind a fine body of work that stands up to this day.

During the tour presenting their 2009 double CD, founder member drummer Pim Koopman dies of a heart attack. The rest of the tour is, of course, canceled.
Kayak announces that the decision, whether to continue the band without Pim or not, will be taken when the time is right.
After a tribute concert last year, the band announced that is working on a new project entitled “Anywhere But Here” and is -no surprise- dedicated to Pim Koopman, which was replaced by drummer Hans Eijkenaar, who also mixes the album.

“Anywhere But Here” is a very accessible, sweet to ears album, with mellow melodic tunes and some rockers.
It has in parts a feeling of John Wetton’s Icon album, some ’80s commercial sounds, but also prog elements.
Opener “Credible Lie” has one of the most modern arrangements on the album, with good progressions and orchestration, a catchy chorus and nice female vocals by Cindy Oudshoorn.
“November Morning” is definitely a melodic rock tune. I am a sucker for Edward Reekers vocals (he has released a superb solo album years ago).

The commercial “Behind The Scenes” features both vocalist for good effect. It’s an uptempo pop-rocker with light prog elements that reminds some Jim Steinman’s production out of Meat Loaf.
On the uptempo “Most Underrated Band In The World” (a statement?) the band rocks with good guitars and more edged vocals.
“In Between Tides” is another story. It’s closer to Kayak’s material of the last years. A slow song with juglar keyboards and fine vocal melodies.
“Demon In Her Eyes” is my favorite of the album. Very eighties and commercial with great vocal arrangements. A must for people who likes Camel of the ‘Stationary Traveller’ or ’80s Alan Parsons Project.

“Anywhere But Here” is a pleasant, easy listening disc.
It has extremely melodic rock songs with a bit of commercial prog approach. No signs of doom, or pessimist mood music here.
Some tracks are pure beauty, some are more like average fillers, but the album flows nicely and sounds really good, thanks to the warm production.
Nice one.

01 – Credible Lie
02 – November Morning
03 – Behind The Scenes
04 – Anywhere But Here
05 – Most Underrated Band In The World
06 – Hunter And Prey
07 – In Between Tides
08 – Passing Cloud
09 – Demon In Her Eyes
10 – Life Is Good
11 – Wherever She Goes
12 – Messinian Skies
13 – Over You
14 – Bang

Ton Scherpenzeel – keyboards, backing vocals
Edward Reekers – lead and backing vocals
Cindy Oudshoorn – lead and backing vocals
Jan van Olffen – bass guitar
Rob Vunderink – guitar, vocals
Joost Vergoossen – guitar
Hans Eijkenaar – drums

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www.amazon.com/Anywhere-But-Here-Kayak/dp/B005JJ0H2I