Top tracks — play these first
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The Absence of Presence (5.1 mix) Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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The Absence of Presence — Opening the album with a long-form piece, this track showcases the band's signature progressive rock elements while weaving complex themes through its expansive structure.
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Throwing Mountains — This track features driving rhythms and compelling lyrical imagery that encapsulate the band's knack for storytelling within a tight musical framework.
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Circus of Illusion — With its dynamic shifts and theatrical flair, this song epitomizes the album's blend of intricate musicianship and emotional depth, inviting listeners into its vivid narrative.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic progression with emotional peaks
- immersive soundscape for reflection
- nostalgic melodies inviting deep listening
- wave-like pacing that rewards patience
Maybe skip if you
- seeking quick, standalone tracks
- prefer upbeat, high-energy experiences
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and creativity in the band's sound.
- Themes
- theatrical soundscapes· narrative storytelling
- Career context
- Released in 2020, The Absence of Presence is Kansas's fifteenth studio album and marks their first original material since 2016's The Prelude Implicit. The band, still led by founding member Phil Ehart, sought to evolve their classic sound while embracing modern production techniques, reflecting both their legacy and a contemporary approach to progressive rock.
Tracklist
- 1 The Absence of Presence (5.1 mix) Start here 8:22
- 2 Throwing Mountains (5.1 mix) 6:21
- 3 Jets Overhead (5.1 mix) 5:17
- 4 Propulsion 1 (5.1 mix) 2:17
- 5 Memories Down the Line (5.1 mix) 4:38
- 6 Circus of Illusion (5.1 mix) 5:19
- 7 Animals on the Roof (5.1 mix) 5:12
- 8 Never (5.1 mix) 4:50
- 9 The Song the River Sang (5.1 mix) 5:05
- 10 The Absence of Presence 8:22
- 11 Throwing Mountains 6:21
- 12 Jets Overhead 5:17
- 13 Propulsion 1 2:17
- 14 Memories Down the Line 4:38
- 15 Circus of Illusion 5:19
- 16 Animals on the Roof 5:13
- 17 Never 4:51
- 18 The Song the River Sang 5:06
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Second Life Syndrome
Riverside
Shares intricate arrangements and introspective themes, blending progressive rock with emotional depth.
A Dramatic Turn of Events
Dream Theater
Explores complex narratives and theatrical soundscapes, reflecting on existence with a modern progressive edge.
Fear of a Blank Planet
Porcupine Tree
Combines atmospheric production with lyrical introspection, delving into existential themes and sonic exploration.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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