"The Prelude Implicit" is the fifteenth studio album by the American progressive rock band Kansas, released in September 2016. This album marks their third release without founding member Steve Walsh, who retired in 2014, following "Vinyl Confessions" and "Drastic Measures."
The album features new lead vocalist and keyboardist Ronnie Platt, alongside keyboardist David Manion and guitarist Zak Rizvi, who initially joined as a co-producer and songwriter before becoming a full member. Additionally, it sees the return of violinist David Ragsdale, who last appeared on "Freaks of Nature." "The Prelude Implicit" showcases Kansas's signature sound while introducing fresh elements with the new lineup.
"The Prelude Implicit" is significant not only as Kansas's first studio album since 2000's "Somewhere to Elsewhere," but also for marking the longest gap between two studio albums in the band's history. Following the release of "Somewhere to Elsewhere," founding member Kerry Livgren left again, leaving Steve Walsh as the primary songwriter. Walsh's hesitance to commit to new studio material resulted in a lack of new releases, although the band continued to put out live and compilation albums during that time.
In the interim, members Phil Ehart, Rich Williams, David Ragsdale, and Greg MGreer formed the side project Native Window to pursue new music. However, with Walsh's departure in 2014 and the subsequent addition of Ronnie Platt, David Manion, and later Zak Rizvi, Kansas was revitalized, leading to the creation of "The Prelude Implicit." This album reflects a new chapter for the band, blending their classic sound with fresh influences from the updated lineup.
