BRIEF NOCTURNES AND DREAMLESS SLEEP

The arrival of former Enchant singer Ted Leonard seems to have rejuvenated Spock's Beard for their 11th studio album, "Brief Nocturnes and Dreamless Sleep". Leonard has a joyful energy to his voice, not unlike Neal Morse on the early albums (although not as melodramatic), compared to Nick D'Virgilio who was maybe more melancholic. The band still plays a very dynamic brand of prog and the interplay between the musicians is still a joy to hear. Long-time fans will be glad to hear that Neal Morse collaborated with his brother Alan on two songs, Afterthoughts (part of the "Thoughts" series), and Waiting for Me, a 12-minute track that wouldn't be out of place on the early albums. Apart from those two tracks, highlights include "A Treasure Abandoned" and "Something Very Strange", both composed by longtime collaborator John Boegehold (the former with Alan Morse), with "I Know Your Secret" as the only weak link.