Search - Kapia :: Decca Years

Unique Swedish progressive rock

Kevin J. Lindahl | 02/16/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Since my mother tongue is Swedish, I decided to review this compilation of early Kaipa records, and inform fans of Kaipa (and Roine Stolt) on whether it's worth buying (an inevitably expensive) box of three originals, one live and one demo recording with lyrics sung, for most of you, in a foreign language. This review deals with the three original studio recordings between 1975 and 1978 - I consider the other discs as mainly a bonus to the essential.



To those of you who hesitate at buying this compilation because of the language I'm happy to tell that nearly one third of the songs are instrumental, and most of the `non-instrumental' songs contain rather little vocals, relatively speaking. The lyrics are mostly concerned with the beauty of nature and life. Hans Lundin provides the singing on CD1 (`Kaipa') and CD2 (`Inget nytt under solen'), whereas a new lead singer, Mats Löfgren, joined the band on the third album (`Solo'). I personally prefer Lundin's distinct singing style to the somewhat Gabriel-like vocals by Löfgren.



The music is definitely progressive, reminiscent of `Notes from the Past', `Keyholder' and `Mindrevolutions', but at the same time clearly different from these 21th century releases. I hear influences of Yes, Genesis, Rick Wakeman's solo work and even Renaissance because of the intense and varying bass playing. In general the music is, not very surprisingly, more in the spirit of the contemporary vibes of the 1970s compared to recent releases. At times, the music is reminiscent of Uriah Heep and ELP - `En igelkotts död' (`Death of a Hedgehog') makes me think of Pink Floyd.



Without a doubt Lundin, Stolt & Co were very talented already in the 1970s, their music actually being a significant contribution to the richness of progressive music in the 1970s rather than a copy of other bands. In particular this compilation should be of interest for fans of Roine Stolt since it reveals a very young Mr Stolt - 17 or 18 years old at the time of recording the first Kaipa album.



I definitely recommend this compilation, not only to fans of Kaipa, Tangent, Transatlantic and Flower Kings, but also to fans of the legendary bands that invented this music style. Kaipa provided a great contribution as well."

Obscure Early Prog Masterpieces

Kurt Harding | Boerne TX | 12/12/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you are a fan of Kaipa as it is organized today, you are in for a treat when you go into their back catalogue and discover the music they were making in their salad days. Though I can't claim to have been a Kaipa fan then, I certainly wish I had been as I would have had many more years of enjoyment of these obscure early prog masterpieces. And though the term "masterpiece" is often overused, when you take into account the age and experience of the musicians at the time of issue, you will hear that the term applies here. This set is loaded with some positively astounding tunes!

Kaipa: The Decca Years is comprised of three studio albums, a demo which was previously unreleased, and a previously unreleased live set. The three studio albums are occasionally available individually, but this collection is the only place you'll obtain the other two. The main problem is that this is a limited edition. It sold out quickly here, I was able to get one only by going to the German amazon site and ordering it from a partner there. I took the salami on the price (over one hundred dollars) but am satisfied that it is a good value. I have since seen it at a much better price on Inside Out Records German website so you might check there for a copy if one is unavailable here.

Here's a listing of the CDs and their highlights:

1) Kaipa: an excellent debut. The most interesting tunes are Ankaret, the lovely Skogspromenad, and the jazzy Forlorad I Istanbul.

2) Inget Nytt Under Solen: My favorite is Skenet Bedrar, which is a textbook example of what prog is all about. Other highlights, some of which have passages evocative of Procol Harum are: Korstag, Dagens Port, Awakening Bitterness, and The Gate of Day.

3) Solo: I like the inspired Den Skrattande Grevinnan, the dreamy Vissan I Sommaren, the relaxing Taigan, the soaring Respektera Min Varld, the majestic En Igelkotts Dod, and the epic Total Forvirring.

4) Kaipa Live: There are some fairly spectacular cuts here in which the youth of the musicians is belied by the maturity and depth of the arrangements. I enjoy most Total Forvirring, Skenet Bedrar, Musiken Ar Ljuset, and Se Var Morgon Gry.

5) The 1974 Unedited Master Demo Recording: Shows Kaipa's early promise and some masterful licks by a young Roine Stolt. My favorites are the relentless Taktus, the driving Cirrus, the interesting keyboards in Pa Fard, and the guitar work in Karavan. This demo is more advanced than some "popular" groups' entire recording output!

This is a box set which belongs in the collection of every serious prog fan, particularly those who follow Swedish prog. Unfortunately, if the record company is to be believed, it is available only to three thousand of them. The value of this set is augmented by a rather thick booklet containing pictures of and stories about the band and its music. Get this unit wherever and whenever you can!

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