TOUCH THE SKY - VOLUME I

This band is a project formed by multi-instrumentalist John Eargle, singer/drummer Rob Price and guitarist Dan Pomeroy. There are plenty of guests, including Roine Stolt and Randy George ? and given that these two are playing it is something of a surprise not to see Neal Morse's name as well, as these guys from Texas are working in the subgenre of Christian Prog. It shows how strong these guys beliefs are as prog in itself isn't the most financially rewarding genre out there, and if you aren't a Christian then you may find the lyrics a bit hard to take. But, and it is a large "but", this is an album that is great to listen to and one that I really enjoyed even though my personal view on religion has changed considerably over the years. There are three different guest violinist and this is an album that musically sits with Seventies Kansas but with a stronger emphasis on the AOR side.

This album is awash with hooks and melodies, and even a non-believer such as myself found myself singing along to "Still Believe" ? it's infectious stuff. The press release says something that I don't think I've ever seen in the thousands I've read, "this music just makes you feel good". Do you know what? They're right ? for some reason I can't play this album without having a smile on my face, and sometimes that boost is just what you need. Highly recommended to all. www.progrockrecords.com