FOUR O'CLOCK AND HYSTERIA

There's no question that all the members of Spock's Beard have displayed mastery of their respective instruments over the years, so it shouldn't be any surprise that guitarist Alan Morse might attempt a solo album, right? But what IS a big surprise (for those of us who know him only from his playing with the Beard) is the kind of music he's chosen to play here. First of all, it's all instrumental - pretty radical when you think of some of the complex vocal tunes (e.g. "Thoughts" and "Gibberish") that SB is known for. And secondly, it's a guitar fusion album - nothing like the symphonic prog-pop of SB1 or the prog-metal of SB2. This is a very enjoyable album with 63 minutes of creative melodies and energy, a little funk thrown in on some tunes, and even some Spanish guitar stylings. Morse wrote all of the compositions, with assistance from his brother Neal in places. (I think I know that guy from somewhere too!) Reminiscent at various times of the rock fusion of guitar virtuosos Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and Jeff Beck, this album is a real pleasant surprise for me, and a great showcase for the talents of one Alan Morse. Well done!