It's time for me to chime in.
My awkward story with Kino goes way back, probably 10 years at least. For whatever reason, I kept bumping into their debut album while browsing different music forums and sites. The album cover was the first thing that fascinated me. I'm trying to recall how I exactly became aware of the album. Maybe it has to do with me becoming a fan of Dream Theater and Spock's Beard at the time, but I also remember not knowing it's a prog album. I just recently realized Kino is a prog rock band, not just rock or not just pop, which I previosly thought they were. It's coming to me that I listened to samples on amazon and enjoyed some sticky pop hooks, so that might explain why I wasn't completely aware it's a prog band. I also remember wanting to pick up their album at a local music store, but going with Systematic chaos instead.
So finally, many years later, news came out that Kino is releasing a new album. Maybe it's time to check out Picture, huh?
Now, that's one good album. Loser's day parade is a terrific opener. From the opening prog riffs, through the Porcupine Tree groove-driven verses, to the Beatle-esque vocal harmonies, this song has it all. All you see is a huge favorite of mine, that chorus is one of the most infectious choruses I've heard in a long, long time, truly beautiful. I also enjoy Swimming in women and Leave a light on. There's plenty of stuff to dig into - this might be the best blend of pop, rock and prog I've heard since the Flying Colors debut. Although Steven Wilson's last album could be up there for me as well.
I'm looking forward to the new one.