What makes II by Kingston Wall notable?

II received critical acclaim for its ambitious songwriting and musicianship, helping to elevate Kingston Wall's profile beyond Finland. The album's progressive rock elements and blend of psychedelia have influenced subsequent Finnish bands, contributing to the country's rich music culture during the early '90s. Released in 1993, II marks Kingston Wall's second album, following their self-titled debut. At this point, the band was solidifying their identity within the Finnish rock scene, blending influences from various genres to craft a unique sound. This album reflected their commitment to experimentation and artistic growth after gaining regional recognition.

How many songs are on II?

II has 10 tracks, running approximately 62 minutes.

II

Kingston Wall · 1993

62 min · 10 tracks · progressive rock

A fusion of progressive rock and psychedelic soundscapes that transports listeners through intricate musical journeys.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Ištwan — This track showcases the band's ability to intertwine complex rhythms with ethereal melodies, epitomizing their progressive rock sound.
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Love Tonight — The song features soaring guitar solos and a captivating vocal performance, making it a standout representation of emotional depth within the album.
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Shine on Me — With its extended instrumental passages and dynamic shifts, this track illustrates the band's willingness to push musical boundaries while maintaining accessibility.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and musicianship, blending progressive rock with psychedelic elements effectively.

What we noticed

The album features extended tracks, with several exceeding six minutes, allowing for intricate instrumental passages and dynamic shifts.
Vocal harmonies are layered throughout, often intertwining with guitar solos that create a rich tapestry of sound.
The first half of the album maintains a consistent tempo, while the latter half introduces more varied rhythms and textures.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

And It’s All Happening

The verses build a sense of urgency as they narrate a transformative experience, culminating in an uplifting chorus that celebrates change.

The shift from introspection in the verses to collective joy in the chorus highlights the album's overarching theme of personal evolution.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 We Cannot Move 4:39
2 Ištwan 4:01
3 Could It Be So? 5:51
4 And It’s All Happening 6:07
5 Love Tonight 6:39
6 Two of a Kind 6:23
7 I Feel Love 6:41
8 Shine on Me 7:06
9 You 10:10
10 Palékastro 4:54

What to play next

Listen next

III Tri-Logy

1994

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I

1992

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progressive rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata