Book Of Days

Nektar's been through some changes over the years, musically more than in personnel. The original lineup was mostly consistent until they broke up after their 1980 album. After the band had taken a more commercial turn and fizzled out, the lead guitarist and vocalist, Roye Albrighton, rekindled the flame taking Nektar in a more progressive direction. Book Of Days marks the third album of the reincarnated Nektar. There have been more changes in the musicians over the latest three album and the current band now has Roye with the original drummer Ron Howden and a couple of new comers: Klaus Henatsch and Peter Pichl. Who knows if this lineup will stay stable for a few a few more albums, but I certainly hope so as this is probably the best of three new albums. Two years in the making and quite worth the wait. Over Krakatoa starts off the set. It's a nice short and sweet rocker. The kind of tune that might get air play and be a hit if radio is what it was in the '70's. I think I detect a little neo-prog influence going on here. King Of The Deep a song in part about how we are wrecking the seas. Starts out rocking again but then breaks into beautiful mellow instrumental interlude taking you underwater with synths and acoustic guitar, Roye kicks in some electric, then lifts you back returning to a reprise of the first section. Lamora. A beautiful little acoustical guitar piece by Roye. Say no more. Dr. Kool. An upbeat ode to botox and plastic surgery? A fun song musically with a bit of an odd lyrical theme. "Keep the years away." The Iceman. With the electric drums you might think Roye's trying to get in on some of that '80's action he missed out on. Probably the most neo-prog track on here. It's a commentary on modern men of power. Where Are You Now is one of my favorites. Starts out really rich instrumentally before the vocals kick in. Lots of changes with really tasty instrumental bits between the vocal parts. If you need an answer to place in space and time you just might find it here. Book Of Days (between the lines). Time to mellow out now for a bit and get a little reflective.