The first visual and aural impression I got from KICK’s third album New Horizon was the one of an American boygroup with a disposition for softened progressive Rock. Luckily the first impression is quite often deceptive. So it was in this case …
The boygroup turns out to be a smart British trio with a disposition for progressive, guitar-orientated Rock anywhere between Rush, Dream Theater and Fates Warning, just in a softer version.
All eleven songs (plus Japanese bonus) result in a likeable blend of symphonic (opener Electric Storm), melancholic Give Me Something To Hold On To), rockin’ and snappy numbers (Forever Yours, Bone), and the obligatory (semi) ballad Watch Me Fly.
New Horizon not only lives on the amazing voice of Nick Workman, that gives this Rush touch to the songs, but also on the seemingly endless songwriting talents of 4stringer Mickey Jones, who has written all songs himself, combining easy-listening music with profound lyrics. Outstanding work! Guitarist Chris Jones too, has his shining moments when it comes to rocking riffs, solos and some tricky finger acrobatic, adding the proper drive to the music. But – at least for me – it is unclear to what extend keyboard player and drummer are involved in the band or if they just have an extra role as session musicians.
All things considered New Horizon is a wonderful and well-done album, but far away from the captivating and groundbreaking releases above mentioned bands. And I think, KICK sit on the fence with their style of music: for one side New Horizon might be too melodic and soft, on the other hand the gents are too independent, too progressive and just too good for the commercial market. For me personally this album is sort of too smooth, some rough edges would not have done any harm to the band’s music (not meaning the band has to be heavier!). Though, with every new spin New Horizon runs deeper.
I just hope the band will find its place within the Hard Rock scene and secure a sunny place on the higher part of the stairs.