Review: Kansas 'The Absence of Presence'

Join hosts Pete Pardo & Steven Reid for a review of the new album from US prog-rock legends Kansas, 'The Absence of Presence'. #kansas
We now have a ko-fi page for those who would like to support the channel:
ko-fi.com/pete...

[@bluedream9668]

Solid album from a solid band. Solid is rare these days...so that means it is Excellent!

[@derekwadas8489]

I just finished listening to this album rn, and *GODDAMN!!!* was it an absolutely incredible, well-composed/crafted collection of songs. There honestly was never a dull moment on the album imo. Incorporating the bliss of 70s Prog and the band’s early roots with modern elements of the Progressive Rock scene feels like a match made in heaven. Vocals are great and energetic, the performances on the guitars and drums were hard hitting, and beautiful inclusion of piano, fiddle, and synths in most of the tracks! This is now my favorite album of the year, and I’m sooooo glad to have been able to hear it! 🙌😁🎼

[@davisflyer]

For all the Steve Walsh fans (and just for clarification, Steve is one of my all time favorite vocalists), I saw this band play last January and Ronnie handles Steve's vocals on the classic material flawlessly! Something Steve hasn't been able to do for decades. Fantastic live band!

[@IARP22]

First time in a while I find myself playing a song and then immediately listening to it again cause I am hearing new things every time. What a gift!!

[@llcruize]

I felt this was top 5 all time after initial listen through. After 5 more listens, no don’t in my mind , top 5 definitely. Absolutely fantastic album.

[@diannecarpenter7718]

Thank you guys for your review: Kansas 'The Absence of Presence'. 🎤🎸🎵🥁

[@johnbenard9550]

Just to clarify an oversight of Steven's. Rizvi is not new to working with the band. His relationship with KANSAS goes back almost 20 years when his band 4front opened for KANSAS. Zak went on to work alongside producer Jeff Glixman on various KANSAS projects, including “There’s Know Place Like Home,” as well as the "Native Window" album, a project of KANSAS’s Phil Ehart, Billy Greer, David Ragsdale, and Richard Williams. This led to KANSAS asking Rizvi to co-produce the band’s previous album, “The Prelude Implicit.” and ultimately become a member which was a very wise decision.

[@terryguire1321]

Thanks for that information. Helpful.

[@TranquilityFireReid]

Thanks for adding that info John, hugely appreciated.

[@AudiophileTubes]

Excellent post. Going back even more, Rizvi was in a NYC area RUSH tribute band called 'Power Windows', back in the late 80's, early 90's (I think it was), and they were great! Used to see them at this club (Rock & Roll Cafe, I think it was called) on Bleecker Street in NYC's Greenwich Village! I was blown away by how 'tight' they played!

[@westjenkins9984]

@@AudiophileTubes The Drummer from Power Windows - Joe Bergamini went on to play with Happy The Man, the "other" great American prog band! Saw them several times and Joe was a fantastic drummer.

[@AudiophileTubes]

@@westjenkins9984 Thanks for the info! I've never heard of them, but will certainly 'check them out' online!

[@ik8034]

Kansas are my favourite American band, I was so looking forward to getting the new album. I never felt that Kansas ever made a bad album. This really is a KANSAS album, reminds me of late 70's and early 80's Kansas. This and the new Magnum are my favourites for 2020 so far.

[@ik8034]

@Peter May Hi Peter, thank you so much for this, I do have both of their albums and you're right. Great albums. One for you is a band called "Shooting Star", they really are a Kansas clone.

[@masque1313]

I have been pleasantly surprised by how good this album is. I liked it from the start but it grows on me with each listen which is always a great sign. Happy to see them release such a great new album!

[@PieGuyBill]

I am so happy to hear how good this album is. I can’t wait to hear it. Since I started watching your show I have taken a much deeper dive into Kansas..which I already loved. They have since really become my favorite Prog band. Their melodies are so beautiful and powerful at the same time which is hard to do. This review is exciting to me. AWESOME......thanks Steven and Pete

[@mahogany174]

Must have played it a dozen times now. Great album. Great band.

[@darkhymnsfromthecoldnorth]

I passed on The Prelude Implicit, but you talked some sense into me and I decided to not avoid it. Will be picking this one up, as well.

[@ClayParrot42265]

You should love it. I do. Check out the videos for a couple of the songs as well....especially Visibility Zero.

[@Chuin37]

You lucky bastard, you have something to look forward to. Preludes a great album.

[@darkhymnsfromthecoldnorth]

Thanks man! Glad to continue to hear good things.

[@darkhymnsfromthecoldnorth]

Man...its rare these days. And I'll admit...i avoided it because of the lack of Steve Walsh. But then I decided to not be a dick about band members leaving. I mean, one of my favorite Judas Priest albums doesn't have Rob Halford. And sadly Steve cant really sing the Kansas stuff these days, so good on them for getting someone who can.

[@johnmichaelwilliams6694]

Steven and Pete, your review makes me even more anxious for my copy to arrive tomorrow. This is when I really miss a local store where I could go buy music. I’ll be reading Steven’s review on the website once I have listened to the cd once or twice. Thanks again, gentlemen, for bringing this review to the SoT channel.

[@KellenFredricksen]

Both The Absence of Presence and The Prelude Implicit are albums I can listen to all the way through literally anytime 🤘also speaking of vocalists, Steve is personally the GOAT in my opinion but Ronnie does an amazing job as well

[@KellenFredricksen]

@Peter May I will definitely check that out thanks mate 👌

[@victormendez8811]

The Absence of Presence is a great album ! Kansas sounds fresh and rejuvenated!! The Prelude Implicit is another album worth listening to both go hand in hand!!

[@DonHornsby]

I can't wait to get a copy of this album. As a huge KANSAS fan, I was able to see them in Seattle, WA last year - and it was everything that I would want from the band. The last album was a fantastic return to form - and your review has been encouraging. I hope the album is available on vinyl!

[@terryguire1321]

LOL, I can't read that while it's playing! Yes, I agree...this is an impressive album. I listened to it twice back-to-back, and am going back for more.

[@johnbenard9550]

Woot, finally it's here! been anxiously waiting for this, been following all the pre-release vids and music that they released a couple months ago. I totally agree with Steve and Pete that this is definitely the best Kansas album in decades. The only possible solution is Zak is incredibly talented and having someone so energetic in the band has revitalized the group.

[@neugey]

Pete and Steven, have you heard the new Pinnacle Point record? They have a strong Kansas influence and even to me (not a major Kansas guy) it sounds quite good!

[@iancunningham5576]

In the early years around POKR 1977. They were credited: "KANSAS is still". So today, yes indeed KANSAS remains. But this IS Kansas NOW! And is a gift. EXCELLENT!!

[@shauncorry8885]

An essential addition to the Kansas œuvre...just keeps getting better with each listen. Not just a great album...one of the band’s best! Cover art is superb and the band name and title are deliberately ethereal(absence of presence!!!). Unqualifiedly recommended.

[@clintonwilcox4690]

I actually did pre-order the special edition. I haven't actually put the disc in yet but it looks to be just the nine tracks from the album on a Blu-ray disc. "5.1 Audio Mix Blu-ray" is what it says on the disc.

[@JohannesYtterstrom]

Kansas is doing good. Uriah Heep is doing good. Wishbone Ash is doing good. Joe Satriani is doing good. Deep Purple is doing good. They old guard is not beaten yet!

[@neugey]

+ The Who, Huey Lewis and the News, The Stones, Santana ... some of these oldheads can still bring it!!!

[@maceoflux6474]

And don't forget Blue Oyster Cult, who are releasing their first album in 20 years in October.

[@bluedream9668]

@@maceoflux6474 BOC doing good (new album soon) Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash doing good Nick Mason's Saucerful of Secrets doing good Moody Blues doing good (Hayward too) Stones doing good (saw them in San Jose 2019, good show) lots of good music!

[@terryguire1321]

Don't forget Heart: Jupiter's Darling, Red Velvet Car, Fanatic. Awesome latter-day stuff!

[@bluedream9668]

@@terryguire1321 Heart never stopped really. They rock solid.

[@garygennaro6029]

Looking forward to buying this on CD soon. Should be excellent!

[@gwts1171]

I'm loving this album. So good! I saw them a couple of years ago and they were still amazing.

[@YouDummy]

Yes, I'm one of those 'greatest hits guys' but I'm only halfway through the album and I already love it.

[@telegraphhill5977]

Can’t wait to listen to this album! Killer...!

[@andante005]

P.S....i love that you mentioned "multiple Kansas vocalists"....and the flavor, and real BAND feel when all are involved. Kansas, has always been about that. Thank you much.

[@lazarossamaras4427]

I thought The Prelude Implicit was a return to form but the new one is a masterpiece! I got it on vinyl because of the artwork and the cd is in the package, too. So you get both worlds in one.

[@dougmcauliffe2253]

I'm so tempted to get the LP after listening digitally probably a dozen times but its pushing 40$ so i'm gonna wait it out a couple months hoping it drops a little bit.

[@SaintedSons]

We agree with you gentlemen, we just got the vinyl edition of this album. Arguably the best or one of the best albums Kansas has ever released from beginning to end.🙏🏻🎧

[@ModernDayWarrior2112]

I just happened to stumble across the special edition CD/Blu Ray version today while in Walmart so I had to grab it. And an even greater thing was that it only rang up for $1!!!! The Blu Ray features the entire album mixed in 5.1 Surround which I happen to love and collect things like that. Can’t wait to dig into the album! Thanks for the great review fellas!

[@kmatsumoto9363]

Thanks for the fun review, guys. I ordered the deluxe blue-ray copy and I live in Tokyo. I had to wait for a while but I finally got yesterday. I love it! Been a long time fan since 1978, seen them more than 20 times and I’m still mesmerized by the band.

[@Pupmom2]

I am looking forward to hopefully see them this December at our local theater. Love this review! I am a marketer and I would have to agree about the title and song name placement.

[@iainmclean2547]

To put it simply it's absolutely stunning!

[@odd-martinnerland75]

Thank you. One of the best album I have heard in years, by any band.

[@davescryptodays1441]

Kansas nailed it with this album and you guys nailed with this review. What an amazing KANSAS album!

[@kevintremblay1211]

I love this disc like you Pete I have spun it soooo much since it came out .

[@garyjoyce2160]

KANSAS/ my second concert Nov 20 1980 The PALLADIUM NYC. Respect ✊ both of your guy’s opinion. I will 💯 get this. Thank you

[@bernhardkaiser9567]

Thank you guys! Will definitely buy this one! Would have liked to understand what Steven is talking. Guess my english is quite ok, but have to improve my scottish :)

[@tinostabile3256]

Hi guys, Looks like I will have to get this. I am a massive Kansas fan... and the songs I have heard so far echo what your review states. Clearly... Kansas are still one of the greater older bands still relevant. The other being Deep Purple. God bless and keep well, Tino

[@Taylor-kd6lr]

Excellent review Pete. I think it’s great when a band that has been around as long as Kansas is still able to be creative and come out with great new music. I will be sure to pick up their new disc based off this review!

[@luiscontreras4718]

Man, you guys describe the album with such enthusiasm that I really can't wait to listen to it... although the song titles on the CD kind of dissuaded me hahaha kidding, will definitely give it a go!!

[@Six-Winged]

Dude, amazing rock album of the 2020s... love love it!!!

[@jerryattwooll4864]

The best compliment I can pay this, is that it sounds like a great 70s Kansas album, but with up to date production, simply awesome.

[@robertpottle2887]

I'd like to tip my hat to Stephen for making some very eloquent points about this release. Good observations all round. Great show once again. Keep it up chaps 👍.........Oh, and with respect to your album of the year suggestion, Alcatrazz have their new one coming out this week. We shall see

[@puddleglumsmusiccollection9151]

Best since Audio visions for me. Little to much compression though.

[@SwanShadow]

As a Kansas fanatic since the '70s -- I celebrated my 19th birthday at a Kansas concert in 1980 -- I didn't expect to love this new album as much as I do. But man... if this record isn't pure, undeniable Kansas, I don't know what would be. It's a grand step up from The Prelude Implicit (which was a pretty darned good album), and awfully close to the band's glory years. So, so good. I hope that old-school Kansas fans clinging to the "if it ain't Steve, Kerry, and Robby, it ain't Kansas" mantra will give this a chance, because the new guys are killin' it.

[@toonhkuitjes6382]

Love Steven Reid's contributions. Going to look into this album, on sale now... missed out on their work since Monolith, which may be something I have to address...

[@squadronsupreme]

I hear you guys when you say that Ronnie is a great singer and that Steve just cannot sing anymore like he used to do back in the 70 and part of the 80. However, i.m.o. Steve at his prime had a far more emotional sounding voice than Ronnie has. Steve really could bring colour in his singing, where Ronnie sounds too one dimensional to me. But hey, this album sounds great (glad they added some more punch this time!!) and should satisfy every fan.

[@jeffmazzei8520]

Pickup Black Butterfly from Steve Walsh

[@keithoday9896]

Kansas is still killing it; just listened to this album and i would concur with Pete and Steve; it is the best album since Monolith!! Hey Pete, how doing a ranking of The Dream Theater Live Albums Catalog? Well anyway, thank you for this great show. KANSAS FOREVER.😎

[@maceoflux6474]

Nice avatar. You probably know this already, but BOC is releasing a new album ("The Symbol Remains") in October.

[@robertcussins2807]

Damn, you guys. Been a Kansas fan since 1973. I'ma get this. Thanks y'all.

[@southendonseaarts]

I got the Blu-ray version Has a 12” book with full page lyric for each track. artwork is sublime and shown of to great effect in the hardback book. The 5.1 surround version of the album ascends it to new heights.

[@davisflyer]

I thought The Prelude Implicit was about half decent, but missed the mark of being a great album. The Absence of Presence on the other hand is seriously good! Best album they've put out since the 70's!

[@ogam5]

.....LOVE the BURR, Steven - got something of a FISH presence there too, if I may say so!

[@craigkowald3055]

This is an album on the order of Leftoverture and Point of Know Return. Wonderful mix of acoustic and electric, with lovely singing and songwriting.

[@twplumm]

I pre-ordered the exclusive blue vinyl version of the record!

[@luiscontreras4718]

Just checked and the album is already up on KZbin Music!! The first song is absolutely fantastic uffff and I love that it's more than 8 minutes long. Very cool!! Amazingly 2020 has been filled with really great music. Can't wait for the new Primal Fear album tomorrow and Deep Purple very soon 👍👍👍👍

[@AMDG_-nk2dp]

Proof that original members Ehart and Williams aren't just out for a paycheck on the legacy tour circuit. Spot on Pete your comment on them bringing in vibrant new members and letting them contribute.

[@boromeolamperez3858]

I'm totally hooked on the new album. listening to it, I sometimes hear some musical references. "circus of illusions" reminds me of Saviour Machine's "ludicrous smiles", "throwing mountains" sounds somewhat like porcupine tree's "in absentia/blackest eyes" and finally propulsion has a melody line that reminds my wife of Ludovico Einaudi" 😆 what do you guys think?? greetings from Berlin

[@michaelbaucom4019]

Wondrous, fantastic album. The title track would have fit in well on Masque. The violin stays in the forefront. Brislin on keys is reminiscent of the Walsh/Livgren days. Zak and Rich on guitars are bordering on prog metal. Brislin has a lead vocal also, nice change up. Platt solid on vocals rest of album. I'll echo Pete, I do miss the old Walsh/Steinhardt duel lead vocals, Greer and Brislin could be used this way( next album?) more

[@janspiljard]

The Absence of Presence is a great album. But in my view it has not beaten the best album that came out this year, Human Nature by Nightwish. Probably the best rock album in years. But it is good to see that Kansas is really back, :-).

[@paulgreenan4395]

Fantastic album and just the right length,no filler all killer.

[@johnc4035]

This album is just fantastic!

[@jimstevens3823]

Loved the new album, been a fan of the band since point of know return 👍

[@toddboothe1846]

The special edition has an extra dvd audio disc.

[@1satisfiedmind]

Somewhere to Elsewhere was the last "true" Kansas album, even though it was meant to be a KL solo album. This album is an excellent album, it's fresh, it's a revitalized new band. It doesn't try to mimic the past, but bravely moves forward. Sure, Kerry, Dave, Steve, and Robbie are gone, but they still shine in a different way. the Elephante era was the most Rock/Pop iteration, and I enjoyed it too. This new Kansas sounds like a modern prog band. I saw them 3 years ago when they toured with Styx, and It was the first time I'd seen them w o Steve, and I was blown away at his vocal ability. What I didn't know about Ronnie, was that he sang with Shooting Star, though this was before his time the Song Last Chance was good.

[@drummusicinc4027]

Pre ordered it and got it when released. I dig it a lot 🎶🔥🤘🍺👍

[@darkhymnsfromthecoldnorth]

I went out yesterday and picked this up. I got the digipack with the second blu ray disc. It looks like its just a blu ray audio mix on the second disc. But it was only 2 dollars more. I passed on the Prelude Implicit, but discovering your channel has made me regret that.

[@GonzoAmerican]

Great review. There is only one thing (person) that is lacking from the previous album. Jeff Glixman. I’ve always considered him a member of Kansas as he knew how to get the best out of the band in the studio. Sonically, the album is missing his touch. Unfortunately, they have (over) compensated in his absence by engaging in the loudness wars. Everything on the album is maxed out. Otherwise, the songs and performances are outstanding! Cheers. ~Danno

[@GonzoAmerican]

Bruno S. Hmm...where are you getting those production credits from for the new album?

[@alfredortega4930]

Kansas is always good despite all the member changes

[@ericwalker6068]

It’s a fantastic album. As much as I love Walsh (and he’s probably my all time favorite vocalist), this is definitely addition by subtraction. Walsh wasn’t interested in making new Kansas music, so they’re really taking advantage of the new blood injected into the band. Brislin has really stepped up on this album, too. Very impressed. Could be my disc of the year so far.

[@ericwalker6068]

@Peter May I have their last 2 discs. Very much in the spirit of Kansas.

[@jon_the_guanlong]

I'm still getting into this album but Tom Brislin is such an amazing addition. Loved his vocal spot. Check out his solo album if you haven't!

[@mikeomo3235]

Just couldn't get into "The Prelude Implicit" I tried many times, sometimes you just aren't in the mood. Then "The Absence Of Presence" comes out and OMG what a great album! Best Kansas album since "Somewhere To Elsewhere" (IMO). It is what Kansas is supposed to be! Love, Love, Love It! (I'm sure "T P I" will grow on me)

[@drummingprince3]

I didn't know they dropped the album earlier in Europe. Luckies, I want that album now.

[@GMHG777]

This album is pretty damn good, I've always had a tough time accepting this band w/o Walsh, but I gave this one a shot and the music is amazing and Ronnie is better hear than I gave him credit for being. Walsh was such a special singer it's just hard not to compare at times, but I think I will be picking this one up !

[@conspiracionesy]

Thanks for this review guys 👌🏻✌🏻

[@darrellbevacqua3871]

The new album kicks ass !

[@johnbenard9550]

Pete, I was wondering if you ever got a hold of any of Steve Walsh's solo albums? I searched here on your channel and on SOT webzine site and don't see any reviews of his material. Where your such an avid Kansas Fan I would assume you would be interested in them?

[@seaoftranquilityprog]

Yep, I have a couple. There is one SW solo review up on the website.

[@timbates6309]

I purchased The Prelude Implicit out of curiosity more than anything. A few decent songs for me, but for the most part, I was not all that impressed. However, I have loved all three of the advance released tracks from The Absence Of Presence. Was anxiously awaiting the release, but then it got pushed back. Still waiting for Amazon to ship it.

[@timbates6309]

Now Amazon says I won't receive it until July 31st. What, are they walking it to me?

[@stevesmith3990]

Love the album too, it's pretty flawless apart from the abrupt ending of final track which I am baffled by. But anyway yep, a five star album for sure. I wonder if Zak could write some Yes songs for Yes? ;)

[@jeffschielka7845]

Great album. Kansas is back!

[@davedefrancesco2685]

My copy is arriving tomorrow can't wait.

[@johnmichaelwilliams6694]

Mine too and I will be waiting for its delivery!

[@davedefrancesco2685]

@@johnmichaelwilliams6694 I pre ordered it on Amazon and still waiting.

[@johnmichaelwilliams6694]

Me too and Amazon says I will be here tomorrow. Hope yours shows up, too.

[@davedefrancesco2685]

@@johnmichaelwilliams6694 Yes it should be here tomorrow. Enjoy the CD.

[@test4el]

Rock Album of the Year

[@filmsforfred]

Tom Brislin’s 2012 release Hurry Up And Smell The Roses, though a different genre, is worth checking out. It’s got great songs , performance and production. YES should have held on to this guy. I think they’d have great new studio material. Good for Kansas.

[@cbciosubs]

Fantastic album

[@samhouston1979]

the title track is marvelous

[@anthonydi5489]

Audio-Visions (1980) Somewhere to Elsewhere (2000) The Absence of Presence (2020)

[@davescryptodays1441]

LOL - Hey, just a thought - think about the title of the album is 'The Absence Of Presence' so the lack of obvious 'presence' of the logo/album title is a play on the name of the album. Also - (and I am just being picky/silly here too) the insert booklet has all the song titles/writers in it etc . . . so if your listening to the CD, you can just look at the booklet or empty disc inlay - however it would be nice if the song titles were on the back cover but AGAIN 'absence of presence' - something is missing on purpose? :)

[@SmokeRingHalo]

17:09 Purposeful. The name of the album is The Absence Of Presence after all.

[@treeduck3705]

It's a good album definitely the best for about 35 years. I don't think I'd put it above the Elefante albums myself nor Power but it's definitely the best since Power.

[@gregoryvanderpas4176]

Last year things were looking dismal and it was looking as though Greta Van Fleet were going to be the only hope for any future rock. Thank heavens Tygers of Pan Tang released Ritual in late 2019, Vandenberg 2020, Deep Purple Whoosh and I just got this Kansas Absence of Presence and listen start to finish and I love this album already. I'm looking forward to Blue Oyster Cult's new album next Friday, things are getting good again.

[@abe3802]

Great album. Freaks of Nature is one of my fave Kansas albums, and yet the new is a little bit behind.

[@treeduck3705]

There's kind of a Boston vibe to the instrumental and if there's a concept it reminds me of Boston's Third Stage as well.

[@Existmusiccloud]

This is an awesome album!!

[@johnhooper8807]

I guess the subliminal logo and title ties in with "Absence of Presence"??!!

[@dantewhiterose1958]

Hi Pete, are you gonna do a review on the new Pinnacle Point album Symphony of the mind? Dante

[@katesjanice]

Kansas is, in my opinion, the greatest band ever. Beginning to present day, the songwriting & musicianship cannot be topped, although I agree w/ Pete that Steve Walsh should have retired years before he did. Other than that, this is a top-notch band, always playing top-notch music. Can't wait to see them live again, especially when they invite Kerry Livgren to join them for a few of his famous tunes. Kansas rules!!!

[@katesjanice]

Thanks Peter! I'll give it a listen.

[@captainbeyond7469]

Just got the album today my second spin through. Nice majestic feel to the songs but not instantly memorable for me might take multiple listens to fully appreciate. Also Ronnie’s vocals seem a little thin compared to Steve Walsh. A minor quibble but at this point it’s a solid three and a half stars for me.

[@erosbifebeef5115]

I was dissapointed, i disagree that it sounds like kansas, but i did actually enjoy a lot of it, particularly the title track, the song the river sang and throwing mountains. I cant get on with the vocals sadly. Theyre 70s stuff makes them my favourite band of all time

[@markllewellyn7737]

Got to wait over a year now to see these in London next year...my front row tickets aint going anywhere !!!!!!!