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Spock’s Beard has been for years one of the top acts in progressive
rock, but the departure of Neal Morse would not be without any
consequences for this American prog band, as for the late super
group Transatlantic. Not that this group has disbanded, but the
influence of ‘uncle’ Neal was so big, everyone feared that they
would never fill up the gap. And indeed, I (and many others with me)
was not very euphoric about their first album ‘Feel euphoria’ after
the departure of their leader. But let it not be misunderstood,
“Spock’s Beard is back”, and how.
It
starts very promising with a pure progressive introduction, a bit in
the vein of The Flower Kings with a sparkle of Karmakanic, where
after the song continues in a smoothly way, varied with many
keyboards (piano, synthesizer, mellotron), beautiful vocals and an
intriguing guitar solo? It even becomes a bit acoustic and ‘retro’
on op ‘I wouldn’t let it go’, a melodramatic song ending with church
organ, has Neal something to do with this?
And
then the very first surprise of the album arises, probably a
cultural shock for die-hard Spock’s fans, because from the very
first notes of ‘Surfing down the avalanche’ I have to remind of the
musical violence of Dream Theater. The tempo changes, the pumping
bass and guitar riffs, the fragments played simultaneously by all
musicians, dark interplay à la Dead Soul Tribe, they succeed to make
a very strong track in less than 4 minutes. But if you really don’t
like progressive metal, you don’t have to despair, because this is
the only really ‘hard’ song of the album, but I would not mind to
hear more of that in the near future . What a contrast with ‘She’s
everything’, a typical progressive ballad. Sung both beautifully and
emotionally, this track tends to be a musical highlight, mainly
because of the extraordinary guitar solo, after the first listening
this becomes a moment of goose-flesh. Spock’s Beard proves on
‘Octane’ that progressive rock is not necessarily based on long
(read sometimes boring) songs, composition gets the highest
priority, so there is no place whatsoever for annoyance!
‘Climbing up that hill’ is more or less straightforward rock, while
Ryo can do his Japanese thing on ‘Letting go’ by introducing ambient
melancholic keyboard sounds. And then it is time again for a next
highlight on ‘Of the beauty of it all’, beginning very quiet but
culminating towards true symphonic rock, it seems as if that they
have hired a complete symphonic orchestra. Also a special attention
for the nice drumming of Nick D'Virgilio, is all seems so easy, but
it is damn strong and original.
Nwc is an instrumental track, that will blow you away, the rhythm
section is playing once again a very important role, guitar and
keyboards are interacting smoothly. Again a very short track of just
above 4 minutes, but you get the feeling that a lot is happening
here. ‘There was a time’ is a typical Spock’s-song with a modern
touch and a catchy refrain, why not trying to reach the (better) hit
parade? From the first notes of ‘The planet’s hum’ is seems very
clear, this is ‘Spock’s Beard plays Gentle Giant’ (like formerly in
‘Welcome to NYC’ of Snow), again demonstrating the clean production
of this album. This song has lot more to offer, just listen to it
and you will undoubtedly discover other influences, very good!
‘Watching the tide’ is another ballad, perfect variety, and Nick
d’Virgilio has clearly found his way as lead singer, here he pulls
out all the stops in a beautiful song, ELO in a modern way. And the
album ends with a rocking’ song, but where on ‘Feel Euphoria’
certain tracks tend to be a bit boring, enough special elements have
been inserted to get you on a grip until the very last second.
A special edition with a few extra tracks and a video will be
released, sadly enough I was not able to listen to them because of
the lack on the promo cd. Should it be told, this is a sublime
album, maybe it’s difficult to compare it with their former work
like V and The Light, but it’s certainly of the same quality level,
in fact ‘Octane’ is the right successor of ‘Snow’. This band has
started his second childhood, apparently they have switched from
normal gasoline to super. I will certainly not miss their next tour,
the octane level will be at the top. And maybe I should listen again
to ‘Feel Euphoria’ ;-)
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