Fans that just can’t get enough of the Kansas family of albums (including Proto-Kaw, Kerry Livgren, A.D., Kansas, and, for some, John Elefante) rejoice! Native Window is the current line up of Kansas sans Steve Walsh, whom has expressed that he no longer has any desire to write music. The band features bassist Billy Greer on vocals and is an experiment of sorts as none of these members have written for Kansas.
The experiment worked! The main difference here is basically a more acoustic platform and some Blues influence. Greer’s voice is obviously different from Walsh’s as well, but it’s a very unobtrusive voice, very mainstream and pleasant to listen to. Walsh can be pretty nasally, so Greer’s voice is a nice shift to be honest. The opening track, “Money,” is absolutely stellar, as the band lyrically explores what might happen “when money doesn’t matter anymore.” The beautiful and epic “The Way You Haunt Me” is another standout track, with a memorable lead line by violinist David Ragsdale. This is probably one of my favorite Kansas-related songs ever as a matter of fact. The haunting “Blood in the Water” and the spirited Folk of “The Moment” are highlights as well, but there really isn’t a bad song to be found.
I’m just going to say it because anyone who hears this will obviously think it.This should have been a Kansas record. Yes, there are some differences here but, for the most, Native Window is very similar….even a bit evolved really. If you like Kansas then you’ll love Native Window.
Reviewed by Mark Fisher
