THE OBLIVION PARTICLE

This new release by Spock's Beard is interesting to say the least.This is a band that has survived the departure of it's two main vocalists in Neal Morse and Nick D'Virgilio,and with new vocalist Enchant's Ted Leonard,has recorded an album that has some elements of the earlier records,but this time have explored different aspects of progressive rock.For this release Ted Leonard has surpassed himself.Always at the forefront with Enchant, the other members of Spock's Beard have given Leonard total freedom,and he has repaid them with some sublime vocals.The other member to shine on The Oblivion Particle is keyboardist Ryo Okomoto.Some lovely solos on organ and piano are a joy.The majority of the nine tracks are written by "sixth" member John Boegehold.These tracks are certainly different to your normal Beard track,and may confuse the older die-hard fan.The awesome Bennett Built A Time Machine is truly meeorable,and is the stand out track.Two of the longer tracks,opener Tides Of Time and penultimate song To Be Free Again are more reminiscent of old school Spock's Beard,and are very good.Ted Leonard's involvement with Enchant can be heard in his two compositions,Minion and Hell's Not Enough,but are good nonetheless.The only major disappointment is straight ahead rocker Get Out While You Can.Another issue with The Oblivion Particle is where has guitarist Alan Morse disappeared to? Guitar solos are very short on this release! These are only minor quibbles however in what I believe is another essential release,and will only add to the belief that Spock's Beard are at the forefront of progressive rock music.