The 2009 self-titled debut release from
Native Window absolutely reflects the soaring melodic/mainstream sounds of
Kansas. And there's a good reason for this, as
Native Window are essentially
Kansas without the group's longtime chief songwriters,
Steve Walsh and
Kerry Livgren.
David Ragsdale,
Phil Ehart,
Rich Williams, and
Billy Greer all keep the essence of
Kansas alive throughout this ten-song set, with
Greer handling lead vocals (and the whole group supplying some pretty sweet harmony vocals). Like
Kansas, all the expected elements abound -- violin swirls, guitar strumming that alternates between acoustic and electric, and positive lyrical messages, especially on such tracks as the album opener, "Money," as well as "Surrender" and "Blood in the Water." As heard throughout their debut release, the spirit of
Kansas clearly lives on in
Native Window.