Kansas-Freaks Of Nature (1995)

"Freaks of Nature" marked Kansas' return in the 1990s, an album preceded by the conceptual "In the Spirit of Things" from seven years prior. However, after all those years, much had changed within the group, and with a revamped lineup, Robby Steinhardt, Kerry Livgren, Dave Hope, and Steve Morse were no longer present, replaced here by Greg Robert (keyboards), Billy Greer (bass), and David Ragsdale (violin and guitar), while original members Steve Walsh (vocals and keyboards), Phil Ehart (drums), and Rich Williams (guitars) led this new incarnation of the Topeka band. The first thing that stands out is the return of the prominent violin of yesteryear, after several albums where it had lost the prominence it displayed in their 1970s work. Another characteristic of this new release is its departure from the melodic rock sounds of the eighties, taking a step back towards the progressive rock of the seventies, but with a strong emphasis on hard rock. This progressive hard rock style is present in tracks like "Desperate Times", where violinist Ragsdale and the powerful instrumental section drive a magnificently executed piece. The melodic "Hope Once Again" becomes one of the highlights, contrasting with the heavy "Black Fathom 4", the exotic "Need", and the acoustic "Peaceful and Warm". On the other hand, the most progressive moments are embodied by the dramatic "Under The Knife" and the complex "Cold Grey Morning". In short, "Freaks Of Nature" marked the return of the most eclectic and effective Kansas, undoubtedly a great starting point for their subsequent releases, which would continue with the orchestrated "Always Never The Same" (1998) and the epic "Somewhere to Elsewhere" (2000).