“Travelog” (Melodic Revolution Records, 2015)
Kinetic Element is another example of outstanding American symphonic progressive rock. The group grew out of a solo prog rock project by keyboardist and composer Mike Visaggio. “Travelog” is the band’s second album and it will delight progressive rock fans with its set of lengthy suites loaded with superb instrumental work.
Stylistically, the band is inspired by the classics of the 1970s, primarily groups like Emerson Lake and Palmer (ELP), Yes, and Genesis. The ELP influence appears in the form of the electric organ played by Visaggio although he also uses cathedral-style organ sounds that lean closer to Rick Wakeman. Meanwhile, the guitars and bass lines have deep prog-era Yes and Genesis influences.
Kinetic Element is essentially an instrumental quartet led by Mike Vissagio on keyboards and Vocals; Michael Murray on drums and vocals; Todd Russell on guitars; and Mark Tupko on bass. For the “Travelog” project the band recruited three different guests vocalists distributed throughout the five tracks: Demitrius LaFavors from Maryland rock band Odin’s Court, Michelle Schrotz of Washington DC rock band Brave, and Mike Florio, a musician from the New York.
The first track, a 20+ suite titled “War Song” is high energy piece with notable instrumental work by all the musicians. It’s followed by an epic titled “Travelog” that showcases the talent of guitarist Todd Russell and bassist Mark Tupko. Demitrius LaFavors vocals stand out in this track too.
The third composition, “Into the Lair” opens with dreamy Genesis-style keyboards that lead to Yes-style bass and guitar progressions and remarkable Emersonian organ, piano and synths. The vocalist here is Michelle Schrotz and she delivers the best vocal work on the album.
Track 4, titled “Her” takes a while to blossom. It gets really good towards the end, with an epic guitar and keyboard conclusion.
The album closes with an 18+ piece titled “Vision.” It begins with a wonderful fusion-style mix of piano, guitar, bass and drums. The piece progresses through various memorable instrumental phases of state of the art symphonic rock. The vocals appear in the mid-section of the suite. The final part is a succession of fantastic keyboard and guitar solos and interplay and a grand conclusion.
Kinetic Element is based in Richmond, Virginia. The group was created as a platform to perform the music of keyboardist Mike Visaggio’s solo album, “Starship Universe” that was released in 2006. The group’s first album as a band was “Powered By Light” (2009).