LIQUID TENSION EXPERIMENT

I really like this album, but i wouldn't say it's a "masterpiece", and so, reluctantly, I give it 4 Stars. It's still a great album, though. Some assorted things I have to say about this album...

Just to clarify, this is NOT a Dream Theater album. I have been criticised by my friends for saying that isn't purely because LTE has three of the members of the current Dream Theater line-up, but I assure you, is very very different from Dream Theater, in my opinion. I think there are three reasons for this. 1. Tony Levin. His impact on the music is massive and I feel he brings that more melodic element to it. 2. The fact it was recorded so quickly. To me, the music sounds spontaneous, improvised and quirky, and that means it's definately not Dream Theater. DT is so though-out, and even the solos have a "worked out" nature to them. 3. The fact there are no vocals. A lot of Dream Theater instrumental music either sounds like vocal songs arranged for instruments (Stream Of Conciousness, Hell's Kitchen), or is pure complexity (Erotomania, The Dance of Eternity). But I think the music of LTE does not fall into those catagories. I think Mike, Tony, Jordan and John have created a unique style between them, which is more melodic, and less metal. And although it has Dream Theater- esque qualities about it, it's not a Dream Theater album.

I love this album, but i feel awfully biased when I comment about it because I'm both a drummer and keyboardist. I think it's definately a musician's album. I don't mean to say that all musicians will like it, but I feel musicians will get more out of the music than non- musicians. Of course I can't speak for everybody. But when I listen to it I do get the sense it was written to appeal to all those playing these specific instruments. I suppose that's why Portnoy went away afterwards and did a DVD explaining all about the drum parts in the two LTE albums. But maybe that's the point of this album, to appeal to musicians. I don't know. It may well be just the way these guys play.

My favourite track on this CD by far has got to be Three Minute Warning. It's been attacked so much because of this track, that interestingly, on the back of the album they put a disclaimer! For those who haven't got this album, it reads... Caution: "Three Minute Warning" is not for the musically faint-hearted, impatient, or critics of self indulgence. If you fall into any of these catagories, please hit the stop button on your CD player afer track #8. Personally, I think this pretty much sums up the album for me, especially the bit about self- indulgence. But what the heck, I like it anyway.

Enjoy, and buy at your own risk!