BRIEF NOCTURNES AND DREAMLESS SLEEP

I love this album just like the last one. But to be honest, I don't know which I like more. "X" and "Brief Nocturnes and Dreamless Sleep" are truly different albums. Not only because the vocalist changed but albums are different in concept and musical style. I think this album is even easier (for me it means that after one listening you remember and hum melodies) than "X". "Brief nocturnes..." feels even like a pop album with it's simplicity but it still keeps the faith of good progressive music with long keyboard and guitar passages (like in "The Man You're Afraid You Are"). Album starts with great opener "Hiding Out" and finish with "Waiting For Me" and it's marvellous guitar solo. Meanwhile there is "A Treasure Abandoned" and I must say that Ted Leonard is great vocalist. I thought it will be difficult after what Nick D'Virgilio had done on the last album, but Ted actually did it! Then again we have " Something Very Strange" with great chorus. I must say that if I had to chose album from Spock's Beard that fits mostly to bands name (I mean in a way like some pulp, scientific spirit) I would pick up "Brief Nocturnes and Dreamless Sleep". This is great album and yes it is essential: a masterpiece of progressive rock music. I really appreciate the unique path Spock's Beard chose to follow starting from "X" album because I like this band more this way than lit was on "V" album. If you are looking for good and easy handling album to start progressive journey - pick up Spock's Beard, you won't regret it!