BRIDGE ACROSS FOREVER

When the news broke a few years back about the formation of Transatlantic, I was nothing short of thrilled. Being a fan of all the members and their respective bands, how could this go wrong. SMTPe was subsequently released to a successful reception. The band played a few gigs including NEARfest and then went back to their day jobs. The first release was largely dominated by Neal Morse's songs, and some felt too much so. But, if you consider the time they had to work together, having Morse come in with ideas ready to go was probably the best approach. The bands choice to cover Procol Harums "In Held (Twas) In I" may show the shortage of material they had. Bridge Across Forever has been touted as a more group oriented disc, and the results are a positive step forward.

The songs are all cleverly linked to each other. Whether by music or lyrics, the three long tracks all share a piece of each other. The same string quartet melody that opens "Duel With The Devil" also opens "Stranger In Your Soul". Various bits like "Motherless Children", and "Lost and Found" make their way seamlessly into other sections. The jam that opens "Suite Charlotte Pike" translates the loose feel of this track. It's approach is almost like side 2 of Abbey Road, little bits of songs put together, though it could be argued that any one of the long tracks works the same. The odd man out here is the title track, which really doesn't fit with the others. It is a moody piano piece with Neal on his own. The rest of the writing on the disc is credited to all members.

All 4 members get a chance to sing lead. Surprisingly, Trewavas who I never thought should sing does an admirable job during his vocal in "Stranger In Your Soul". Its charming in a Ringo Starr like way, not a great voice, but for some reason it works. As you would expect, the playing is great, and the instrumental sections allow the band to really crank it up. I enjoy Trewavas really getting to show off his chops, as Marillion does not give him that option these days. Most importantly, the songs have memorable melodies and the music to match.

Though I hope these guys don't quit their day jobs, I would like to see Transatlantic continue. If the band had as much fun making this as it is to listen to, I say all systems go. Plus, the first cover showed the skyship travelling over water, now they appear flying over the desert, they at least owe us a landing, don't you think?