OVERLORDS

From Pittsburgh, PA, We Came From Space is sort of a side project band from Bill Hubauer, writer-keyboardist-vocalist from the Neal Morse Band. The rest of the band is Dave Buzard (guitar, vocals), Dave Hawk (bass, vocals), and Tim Malone (drums). This is their third album (spread out over ten years), but first one that I have heard. This is a really fun album with songs that incorporate many influences from 70's and 80's classic rock and power pop, with jazzy and proggy elements throughout, with catchy hooks and melodies, and is an absolute joy. It's a light-hearted affair, blending many aspects of the late 70's-early 80's rock sound with extended instrumental sections. It features 8 songs (3 that are more than 9 min each), starting with the grand scope of 'Overlords', with its orchestral opening, fun lyrics, and proggy instrumental flourishes. 'On Your Radio' is a catchy track reminiscent of late '70's Kansas or Styx with great vocals and choruses and spacey instrumentals. 'Empty Space' is something right out of Ambrosia or Toto territory, great melodic classic rock. 'She's the Bomb' is a breezy pop ditty like something from '80's-era Genesis, which then segues into Atomic Blues, an extended instrumental track featuring Bill's keyboards, somewhat Pink Floydesque then subtly becoming more Yes-like towards the end. 'Reputation' is a straight-forward, somewhat generic 70's rocker (ala Foghat or REO, but done tongue-in-cheek) and the one track that is a bit of a let-down. On 'Silent Letters' they break out their Beatles/Beach Boys/Badfinger homage, including lush production and kitschy effects. But the best track is the closer 'Seize the Day', which goes more into melodic Neo-Prog territory (such as NMB) and features a great emotional melody and dynamite extended instrumental and vocal sections leading to a majestic conclusion. All in all, a great, very enjoyable album, guaranteed for many repeat listens. Best Tracks: Seize the Day, On Your Radio, Empty Space, Silent Letters. Weak Track: Reputation. Rating: 4 stars