In the heart of the mid-70s, amidst the swirling chaos of prog rock's heyday, Dutch outfit KAYAK unleashed a live album that captured the raw energy and intricate musicality of their prime. "EyeWitness" is a double-LP live set recorded during their 1977 European tour, a testament to a band at the peak of their powers.
Historical Context and Musical Exploration
KAYAK emerged from the fertile Dutch prog scene, a hotbed of experimentation and virtuosity. They drew from the genre's well-established tropes – intricate song structures, shifting time signatures, and symphonic flourishes – but infused them with a uniquely European sensibility. Their sound was marked by soaring vocals, complex arrangements, and a sense of melodicism that set them apart from some of their more bombastic contemporaries.
"EyeWitness" serves as a snapshot of this era, capturing the band's ambition and technical prowess in a live setting. The album opens with the epic "Alibi," a sprawling piece that showcases the band's knack for dynamic shifts and extended instrumental passages. Ton Scherpenzeel's keyboard wizardry is on full display, weaving intricate tapestries of sound that provide a backdrop for Max Werner's emotive vocals.
The album features a mix of material from their studio albums, including fan favorites like "Ruthless Queen" and "Starlight Dancer." The live setting adds a new dimension to these songs, with extended jams and improvised sections that showcase the band's improvisational skills. Johan Slager's guitar work is particularly impressive, ranging from soaring solos to intricate arpeggios.
The addition of backing vocalists Irene Linders and Katherine Lapthorn on "EyeWitness" added a new dimension to KAYAK's live sound, enhancing their vocal harmonies and providing a richer sonic texture. The interplay between the band members is evident throughout the album, with each musician contributing to a cohesive whole.
Genre and Controversies
KAYAK's music has often been categorized as symphonic rock, a subgenre of prog known for its orchestral arrangements and classical influences. While they certainly embraced these elements, they also incorporated elements of hard rock and even pop, creating a sound that was both sophisticated and accessible.
Despite their critical acclaim and dedicated fanbase, KAYAK never achieved the same level of commercial success as some of their prog peers. Some critics attributed this to their overtly European sound, which may have been a harder sell to American audiences. Others pointed to their complex arrangements and lengthy song structures, which were not always radio-friendly.
Production Team and Recording Studio
"EyeWitness" was recorded at various venues across Europe during the band's 1977 tour. The album was produced by KAYAK themselves, a testament to their commitment to artistic control. The production is clean and crisp, capturing the energy of the live performances without sacrificing sonic clarity.
The album was mixed at Soundpush Studios in Blaricum, Netherlands, a renowned facility that had hosted numerous Dutch prog bands. The mastering was handled by Greg Calbi at Sterling Sound in New York City, ensuring that the album sounded its best on both vinyl and cassette.
