Considering the previous work of Roko, ‘Fantasy’ is quite a departure from what we’ve come to expect from Robert Kohlmeyer, ‘Fantasy’ portrays a much more personal and deeper side to Roko, upon first taste it was a big surprise to find such a laid back sound. It did take some getting used to.
Written by: Luigi
ARTIST: Roko
ALBUM: Fantasy
LABEL: RK
SERIAL: RK 10496
YEAR: 1996
CD INFO: Discogs Info List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Germany
LINEUP: Robert Kohlmeyer (aka Roko) – vocals, guitars, keyboards, programming * Ricky Lee – drums, percussion
TRACK LISTING: 01 My Best Friend * 02 Paradise * 03 Life Goes On * 04 My Song For You * 05 You Must Try * 06 Don’t Turn Away * 07 Roots * 08 My Way * 09 I Want To Get My Heart Back * 10 Dancing In The Street * 11 Dreaming * 12 You’re So Wonderful
WEBLINKS: NA
Background
Considering the previous work of Roko, ‘Fantasy’ is quite a departure from what we’ve come to expect from Robert Kohlmeyer. Renowned for his ability to create some of the best Euro flavoured melodic rock you are likely to hear, ‘Fantasy’ portrays a much more personal and deeper side to Roko.
Upon first taste it was a big surprise to find such a laid back sound. It did take some getting used to. I guess I still yearned for a return to the debut, but once I got past that I found a very mature, intelligent and stimulating album.
The Songs
Apart from the rockier moments on his earlier releases, it was evident that Roko had a special knack for writing moving ballads. That has continued on ‘Fantasy’.
However, for the most part, the tracks on ‘Fantasy’ steer towards a pop styled balladry, rather than the anthems such as ‘Could You Be My Love’ from the debut.
‘Life Goes On’ and ‘Dreaming’ have the closest resemblance to earlier material The formula stays the same pretty much throughout, with Roko being backed mainly by his acoustic guitar and atmospheric keyboards.
On the odd occasion he pulls out a familiar lead break, but it’s not the norm. He also dabbles with Middle Eastern rhythms which add a slight new- age-world music feel to the album.
Vocally Roko is on top form, his silky voice fitting in perfectly with the emotionally charged music.
In Summary
Any musician has the right to move in their own direction, and while I think there will be a number of fans who won’t accept this change, I feel there is much to appreciate on ‘Fantasy’. Unfortunately, since this album, there hasn’t been any word from Mr Kohlmeyer so the prospect of further releases looks slim.
Roko on Video
Click to go to YTM album page.
