Although Livgren rejoins his former mates on Somewhere To Elsewhere, forget that this is a so-called "reunion album." It is a focused, inspired, fresh effort, largely due to the fact that the concept began as Livgren's solo project. When drummer (and Kansas' leader) Phil Ehart heard what Livgren was working on, he was eager to get the old line-up into Livgren's GrandyZine studio.
The album opens with "Icarus II", a patriotic ode to a B-17 pilot who sacrifices his life for the sake of his crew. At a critical point in the narrative when the bomber is about to engage, old fans will recognize a haunting reference to the opening theme of the original "Icarus" from Masque_(1975). This is followed by the rocker "When The World Was Young," which interpolates the familiar finale from "Magnum Opus"(_Leftoverture, 1976). But this album is not a rehash of nostalgic stock. Grandiose surprises await the patient listener.
"Myriad" is not only the best track on this disc, it is one of the finest works Kansas has recorded in its 30-plus year history. The composition is Livgren at his best: abrupt changes in mood, intricate keyboard/guitar counterpoint and development of unusual passages. "Look At The Time" is a sweeping anthem with an unforgettable, apocalyptic theme. "Distant Vision" is an overtly evangelical statement driven by cosmic urgency. And "Byzantium" is perhaps the most unusual song Kansas has recorded, featuring an exotic intro and finale that could easily work as the score to a History Channel documentary. The song encapsulates Livgren's distinct philosophy: "City resting on a hill/Can your walls repel the tide of change/Under Pantocrator's rule/Did your golden domes reveal/ The frailty of the consequence/The conqueror was real."
Somewhere To Elsewhere is surprising as well as satisfying. Perhaps all Kansas needed to get back on track was to remember its best songwriter. Then again, maybe this is simply Kerry Livgren getting by with a little help from his old friends.
