SECOND NATURE

Just sublime melodies and song writing here on what was, for me, a highly awaited second album by this almighty line-up. A huge leap in sophistication has occurred on Second Nature with its beautifully sculpted atmospheres, particularly on the mini-epic opener "Open Up Your Eyes" and the emotion evoking three-part piece that closes the album 76 minutes later.

"Open Up Your Eyes" sets the stage perfectly almost like a Transatlantic number with its climactic, majestic movements and motifs. It's almost impossible not to sing along and get out the old air guitar to the middle chorus and subsequent, screaming Steve Morse guitar solo. A charging build up then leads us towards the looming, massive crescendo 10 minutes in that will leave you with goosebumps.

Neal Morse clearly was hitting his creative expectations with his contributions to the song writing throughout the album. Regarding the vocals I feel that Second Nature uses Casey's tone and range much better than on the first, self-titled album. Mr Portnoy, well he's always exemplary!

The closing segment of the final three parter, "Pound for a Pound" is awesome with its beautiful melody and powerhouse final guitar solo. Other parts to enjoy include the excellent ballad "The Fury Of My Love" and the awe-inspiring Peaceful Harbour.

9 out of 10 from me rounded up as it's my first review on this amazing website!

Keep on proggin!

Share this FLYING COLORS review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to strangelybrown
• Report this review (#1285918)
• Buy FLYING COLORS music online with PA partners
• Show all FLYING COLORS MP3/Stream
• Go to FLYING COLORS page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Second Nature page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for FLYING COLORS related discussions