Merlin

After two unabashed pop releases, this KAYAK album marks a return to the progressive edge that was the foundation of the band's early success. Although this was the third release featuring lead vocalist Edward Reekers, who took over for Max Werner after Starlight Dancer, Merlin most closely resembles Kayak's pre-Reekers period. Considering the steadily declining quality exhibited on Phantom of the Night (1978) and Periscope Life (1980), it was surprising that, amid the new wave craze, this band would return to its earlier form. That's a credit to songwriter and keyboardist Ton Scherpenzeel, who recognized the condition Kayak was in and virtually single-handedly resuscitated the band, fully realizing that its demise was still inevitable. It's admirable for a band, knowing the end is near, to exit uncompromisingly, with dignity. Sure, a few pure pop numbers are peppered throughout this album, like "Seagull" and "Boogie Heart," but overall Merlin is defined by the more prog-leaning pieces like the title track, "Tintagel," and "The Sword in the Stone." While always a keyboard-dominated band, guitarist Johan Slager complemented the music nicely with tasteful and unassuming accents that filled out the group's sound appropriately. This album would give rise to one final live album, Eyewitness, but Merlin was the studio farewell for one of Holland's finest bands.