Proto-Kaw – Before Became After

The aptly name Before Became After is Proto-Kaw’s first offering to the music world. But we’re not talking about a bunch of newbies here. Proto-Kaw features Terry Livgren of Kansas and other pre-Kansas members. Well… Pre-Kansas is not actually quite right.

Kansas went through three versions. The most famous, the one we all know is the third version of the band. Proto-Kaw is the second version. This version played essentially Livgren’s music. The sound was very different from the famous version of the band. This is that sound.

This sound is whole lot better than the famous version of that band. Proto-Kaw is f-a-n-t-a-s-t-i-c!!! I’ve never been a big fan of Kansas. I never disliked them, but it just wasn’t my cup of tea, but this! This is awesome!

Flutes, Hammond organ, great vocals, guitars, drums that have something to say and a bass that you notice. This is what rock used to be about back in the days before the mega-corporations took over and made everybody sound alike.

Do yourself a big favour and get this album; it’s not just that you’ll like it, but you need it. You need to hear this again and again and again. The first listen is magical. The second is better, the third… it just goes on and on and on! I’ve been delaying my review of it only to give me an excuse to listen to it over and over! I’ll be incredibly surprised if this is not the album of the year.