Whilst I would not call my self a major Prog fan. I’m quite partial to well played interesting music.  My interest in this genre of music really started back in 1994 when somebody played me John Wetton's 'Chasing The Dragon opus, a superb live album, that shows off  John’s history and the bands prowess. The line up on that album included John Mitchell (Arena/Urbane) and John Beck (ex- It bites) and  Bob Dalton on drums also from It bites and who is now touring with Kino. Hence my interest in Kino was sparked when I saw the line up! 

The album starts with 'Losers Day Parade', which really sounds like two different tracks, the first of which is heavyish, whilst the second has an ELO/Beatles fel about it and over the course of nine plus minutes, the band changes with ease between the two differing styles. Following up this opening track is 'Letting Go' which sounds rather like something Aha! might have come up with and then track three 'Leave A Light On' starts with an Andy Summers like Guitar riff and then reminds me of UK for some reason. (UK were a late 70 Prog super group featuring Alan Holdswoth, John Wetton (there’s that name again!) Eddie Jobson and Bill Buford and featured the track in the Dead of Night that even Yngwie simplified on his version!).

The rest of the album continues in similar vein to these opening three tracks and whilst the production sounds very 80’s, the songs themselves are great and the musicianship on show is unreal. The version that I own also contains a thirty minute live DVD featuring the tracks 'Leave A Light On', 'Letting Go', 'Swimming In Women' and 'Losers Day Parade'. This live portion of the package proves that the band sound just as good live as they do on the studio versions of the songs.! 

If the band  were undertaking a UK tour then without doubt I would go and see them live  if they ventured up to the North East (always a good sign) and one thing that 'Picture' has accomplished is to psark my interest in the band Arena, from whence John Mitchell hails.

You can find out more about Kino and the 'Picture album via the bands website at www.kinomusic.com.

Let us know your views on 'Picture'

Track List

Losers' Day Parade
Letting Go
Leave a Light On
Swimming in Women
People
All You See
Perfect Tense
Room for Two
Holding On
Picture

Line Up

John Mitchell-Vocals/Guitars
John Beck-Keyboards/Vocals
Pete Trewas-Bass
Chris Maitlan-Drums/Vocals