FLYING COLORS

Definitly, it took me some time to fully enjoy this album. The first impression this "supergroup" gave me was not a good one. After all, with such lumionaries from prog, prog metal and even jazz, the music here sounds a little too pop and modern to any proghead, at least at first. Still I insisted and kept listening, and started liking it more and more. Ok, it is still very different from any work I can remember seeing ex Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy involved in (and also from Steve Morse for that matter). Pop singer Casey McPherson gives the modern edge the band needed to make something that really stands. However, the instrumental parts are absolutely brilliant. Well, what else to expect from a band reuniting Portnoy, Morse and Neal Morse (ex Spock´s Beard) plus ex Dixie Dregs bassist Dave LaRue? I know several of such projects do not work all that well, but this one is an exception.

Granted: the music here is different, more accessible and even funkier than what we might expect, but no less complex and rich. The wide range of influences will puzzle even the most eclectic listener, going from Queen to Red Hot Chilli Peppers, plus several others. And what comes from this CD is a surprising varied, yet coherent and beautiful, collection of great songs. It´s hard to believe those guys have been playing for such little time before recording this album. Everything works here: the performances are superb, the production is crystal clear, the songwriting is very strong and versatile. While some tracks are better than others, none is bad or weak (due the varying styles present your choice of the best material is a matter of personal taste, really). Although the songs are way too varied to chose a real highlight, I must point out the last track, Infinite Fire. This 12 minute epic is surely the most progressive tune on the whole CD and surely will please even the most demanding prog fan: terrific guitar parts, soaring keyboards (including fine Fender Rhodes and Hammond organ solos) and a very eclectic rhythm section that reeks of the best fusion since the 70´s. I really hope next time they reunite they´ll focus their songwriting skills on more songs like this one.

I really loved this album although it will annoy some radicals for its pop prog tendencies and modern production. However, if you like progressive music in the true sense of the word, this is a great album to listen to. Rating: 4 strong stars.