FREE

Jim Matheos and Kevin Moore-led project OSI followed up on their debut album with 2006's 'Free', a record that was supposedly not in the plans after the release of its predecessor, but one that found the light of day because of a gap in the schedules of both musicians who would re-join forces and following a similar writing process would go on to share ideas and compose an album of entirely new material for the studio-only prog rock project. Joined once again by Mike Portnoy (this time as a session drummer), bass duties had been handed over to Fates Warning's Joey Vera, a musician both Matheos and Moore were familiar with and found to be a perfect fit. Musically 'Free' expands the explorations of the band's first album but this time there is a greater emphasis on programming and electronics, as the sound of the album is significantly more experimental and focused, almost as if the duo had abandoned the heavier and more progressive aspect sough after on 'Office of Strategic Influence'.

Furthermore, it seems like 'Free' has a much more pronounced tendency for groove and texture, the songs are significantly shorter in length and the build-up of atmosphere and playing around with various sound design techniques are more upfront. The rhythm section is less prominent, a bit more mechanical, which does not undermine the overall sound of the album - the production is once again vivid and professional. The "updated" approach and the greater focus on swiftly introducing more unusual soundscapes and effects leads to several fabulous compositions, many of which are among the best material of the band, quite experimental, moody, not necessarily heavy yet featuring very rampant riffs - the title track, the gloomy 'GO', 'All Gone Now', an explosive track, the drab 'Bigger Wave', and 'Simple Life' are all top-tier OSI songs that display the full extent of the band's musical force. The rest of the material is really good and memorable; there is a large amount of bonus material, too, which is more demo-like, choppy and raw, also quite interesting to hear. A great follow-up for Matheos and Moore.