Defend the Indefensible: The Flower Kings

I thought Roine Stolt looked a bit poseur-ish, with the sunglasses etc.

You'd rather seen him dressed as a fox, a slipperman or an English king? ;)

Frankly, yes. :)

does anyone here like these guys? they have so much material out that I'm almost tempted to dive it. I have heard the solo Stolt album that is the de facto Flower Kings debut and I'm kind of torn, it's good, almost great in spots, but just features so much jamming and easily could've been reduced by a good 30-40% in length. looking at the tracklistings of their other studio albums I have to think this is a problem across the board.

The only full-length I've heard of theirs is the latest, 2013's Desolation Rose, and I like it alright. I'd shied away from them for pretty much the reasons you mention, but this was a lot easier to swallow than I thought. I mean, you have to have a high tolerance for prog, they've got a pretty trad approach to it. The playing is pretty great, but some of the lyrics are a little cringy. If you like prog, you might find moments you like. Definitely doesn't come close to touching the Steven Wilson record as far as 2013 prog giants go.

i like this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cF0iBKM4tQk

prolly cos there's no singing, otherwise p dud

i listened to these guys in high school, they're basically pastiche of 70s genesis/yes but they do it well. i don't have much time for it anymore unless i'm on a nostalgia kick.

lol just saw my post upthread. will no longer defend that marillion album but its ok

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFkJuNV9zYU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTG_poL6WVM

Another new one double this year, it's not bad. "Heart of the Valley" is giving me some major Yes vibes.