Somewhere To Elsewhere

Struggling through lineup changes, public indifference and ever-slippery fashions through the 1980s and '90s, the members of Kansas have largely stayed true to their vision and a stubborn core of supporters. Somewhere to Elsewhere rewards that patience with a 20-years-after reunion of the band's original line-up. Kicking off with the would-be sequel, "Icarus II," the suitably heroic tale of a World War II bomber crew, Kansas rumbles through all their musical trademarks: Steve Walsh's soaring vocal display (though the years have slightly curtailed its cruising altitude), thunderous guitar breaks that prove guitarists Kerry Livgren and Richard Williams have indeed heard of Metallica, and some strenuous noodling by violinist Robby Steinhardt. It's a throwback to the band's original vision, one that argues you can go home again, even if that's a place that's been distinctly changed by time. In short, long-time fans should find it a pleasant return to form. --Jerry McCulley