“With This Heart,” the first single from Kansas’ forthcoming release The Prelude Implicit, seems to be a continuation of the band’s classic American prog rock sound. Yet Kansas, in many ways, has shown tremendous growth since their most recent studio release, 2000’s Somewhere to Elsewhere.
Vocalist/keyboardist Ronnie Platt breathes fire into “With This Heart,” and demonstrates a range and timbre expected of a replacement for retired vocalist Steve Walsh. Kansas also return to the two-guitar format with producer/guitarist Zak Rizvi joining founding member Richard Williams. Long-time bassist Billy Grreer and long-time violinist David Ragsdale both make their presence known on the single, and new keyboardist Dave Manion makes his mark on Hammond B3. Co-founding drummer Phil Ehart completes the circle.
“With This Heart” is lyrically uplifting and musically challenging. The song, written by Kansas, sets the tone for the new album, and it moves the venerable band forward as they prepare to issue The Prelude Implicit on September 23, 2016.
What else would you expect from Kansas?
- Bernie Chiaravalle, Fernando Perdomo + Others: Preston Frazier’s Best of 2024 in Rock - December 13, 2024
- Jazz Guitarist Juan Dhas Discusses ‘Aether’: Something Else! Interview - November 30, 2024
- Mark Anthony K. Discusses Projekt Gemineye’s ‘Canada: Stories and Legends’ - November 16, 2024
