THE FLOWER KINGS – LOVE (Inside Out Music) (2 LP/ 2 CD) (2025)

*If anyone has a contact e-mail for Roine Stolt, I would be grateful if this could be shared so I can ask some questions about the album.

I met Roine Stolt and interviewed him at a Classic Rock Society weekend in Rotherham and have interviewed him previously, especially with regard to his lyrics and the intentions and meanings conveyed by them. I am going to take an unusual step in my reviewing, looking at particular songs in detail from the albums:

“The Elder” (11:09): A figurative ‘call to arms’ but precisely the opposite – a call for peace, the words tumbling like cherry blossom (Yes, that’s the image that came to me); the references to “the love you save, the love you crave” made me think of “the love you make” (The Beatles). Roine’s faith has been the subject of a past conversation I had, for “Acid Dragon” I think, about his lyrics and here there is mention of the resurrection and a curious line “is it real – is it fiction – crucifixion?” There is great hope in the song – “We will never die” (and an uplifting feeling that we will make it through in these trouble times we live in). The music is profound and atmospheric, with a sense of longing – “waiting for the lights to change” – and the concise, artful guitar break early on and some glorious synth and guitar, and grand piano (Lalle Larsson) induce a warm feeling. The synth solo made me think of Herbie Hancock. Talking of comparisons. and before I forget. I loved the synth loop and the circa Gentle Giant variations on the opening track “We Claim the Moon.”

“How Can You Leave Us Now?” (5:52): This is a classic example of the unique and well-established Flower Kings sound we’ve known and loved, with its Genesis and Yes (and other) roots exposed here. The exhortation to “Hold on to one another” stirs the soul. The significant role of Lalle’s ‘classical’ grand piano flourishes are once again noted.

“Burning Both Edges” (7:43): “They hit where it hurts”. A portentous feeling subsides and mellows into “Let me walk there beside you.” Both phrases are reprised on “Walls of Shame” (The dog barks here, I think!). A fine guitar solo by Roine is the icing on the cake. Biblical references are never far away.

“The Promise” (3:56): This is a refreshing departure into ‘folk’ territory with a guest accordionist. I got a little feeling of Jethro Tull here, another band that just keeps producing wonderful records (How blessed we are!)

“Considerations” (10:14): This is the ‘tour de force’ for me. Anthemic, a stunning synth break, and a direct message of ‘stop the world, we want to get off’ proportions with big questions asked. What I love most about Flower Kings is that despite the dark forces at work in the world, the message is always hopeful and positive.