SMPT:E

Well, 4 very talented musicians have gathered into Transatlatic group (or a project) and recorded this album. Supergroup, they say? Both yes and know. Of course the album contains a lot of great musicianship and prog-ness that pleases progheads so much. But despite it all I cannot give this album more than 3 stars because of several problems. The first problem is the sound - each song sounds quite well but altogether the album sounds like a mess - it reminds of too many old (and modern too) prog pieces of music, with borrowings from here and there. If there is such thing as mainstream prog, it is surely this kind of style. I find no unique style here. The second problem is in the songs. I find All of the Above too long for my taste and has some weak moment (though it has good melodies too). We all need some light is one of my 2 favourite tracks from this album - short, memorable and very emotional song. And I sincery dislike Mystery Train from the first note to the last (especially the sound of the drums). My New World is a good song but it's also too long (and the melody repeats something from TFK's Garden Of Dreams) and a little bit too sweet for my liking. And finally, the best track is surely the rendition of Procol Harum epic - but it's a cover song after all. In general, SMTPe may seem a very good prog album - but only if you have not listened to real good prog of the 70's.