TRANSITIONS

US band TIME HORIZON was formed sometime after musicians Ralph Otteson and Bruce Gaetke started working on a project together back in 2004. At some point they had their own band-project going, and in 2011 they released their debut album "Living Water". "Transitions" is their sophomore effort, jointly released by the band's own label Angelic Noise Records and the US label Melodic Revolution Records.

While arguably more of a pomp rock production than a progressive rock one per se, those with an interest in neo-progressive rock as well as symphonic progressive rock should both find familiar sounds and arrangements on this disc. But as far as specific recommendations go, I'd wager that those with a soft spot for mid '80s Magnum might be something of a key audience for this album, and especially those among them who also have an interest in accessible and compelling progressive rock.

'Transitions' is an apt name for the second release from TIME HORIZON. When comparing the band's axis to the previous CD, it's clear that the US formation had a number of personnel changes since 2011. Luckily, the major figure still remains Ralph Otteson who's responsible for the songwriting, entourage of whimsical keyboards and backing vocals. At the moment, a primary line-up is complemented by Dave Miller (guitars) and Allen White (bass). Standing at the helm, Ralph Otteson also gathered a handful of guests, among whom I want to single out Yes alumni Tony Kaye, Billy Sherwood, plus David Wallimann (formerly Glass Hammer). Worthy of special note is Michael Mullen, violinist. The material on 'Transitions' falls into the listening scope of many different stripes. Time Horizon use a vast range of influences stretching from symphonic AOR to electronica, from bombastic sections to virtuoso guitar craze, from power pop to retro-flavored prog. Alternation of three lead singers (Bruce Gaetke, Rich Reif, Jake Livgren) increases the feel of manifold. The individual tracks weave together nicely to present an excellent stylized affair. Foremost, 'Only One' provides a strong impetus to the album. Expansive and consummately performed, this track is quite reminiscent of classic Asia, with a taste of bombastic passages and massive choruses. That's just the beginning. Next up, 'Only Through Faith'. Having its own character, it brings a-la Vangelis mesmerizing sentiment. The sonic experiment segues to 'Only Today', where TH presents the other incarnation of Asia (John Payne era). In some extent, 'Prisoner' evokes Sweet Comfort Band ('Cutting Edge' period). A cover version of the World Trade song, 'Moment Is Here', follows subsequently. It contains a few Yes references, both in the instrumental department and harmonies. Music varies on the next track that deviates in route. Featuring emphatic riffs and acrobatic chord progressions, the instrumental piece 'About Time' could well be a Joe Satriani legacy. The album continues with a thickly arranged composition 'You're All I Need' which resembles the style set forth on the debut CD. Then, a kind of peculiar experiment titled 'River of Sorrows'. Generally speaking, if I had to find fault then it'd be that. The penultimate tune, another instrumental - 'Water Girl'. Comprising the mellow guitar awesomeness, it swings back and forth between Vinnie Moore and Joe Satriani. Though most importantly, the CD has a stupendous ending: 'Love Is Here' may be described as the greatest song Kansas never wrote. I am just getting a chill up my spine!.. All in all, gracefully packaged (with an appealing image on the surface) 'Transitions' is a 56+ min. collection of impressive stuff that reflects the breadth of interests and sources of inspiration. Recommended.

Imagine if you took the first three Steve Perry era Journey albums and the Steve Morse era Kansas albums and gave them to mid-eighties Night Ranger and said, "Listen to these. We'll give you a month to record a new album based on your impressions". Then imagine that the resulting recordings were left unreleased and later given to a band that was influenced by Foreigner and early nineties Christian melodic hard/heavy rock and that band was told to record what Night Ranger had recorded and you might end up with an album like Time Horizon's "Transitions".

Who starts a review like this? I do when the music strikes me as it did here. Is this a great album? It might just be the right one for you. For me, I am afraid in all honesty, the late eighties Christian band sound has long since lost its appeal to me unless you count Petra and Tourniquet and maybe Holy Soldier. But where this album falls short for me especially is in the production which just doesn't make the music shine and leap out as well as I think it could. The first few tracks of the album easily pass by without much really slapping me on the cheek and shouting, "Ain't this bit awesome or what?!" But by the very beautiful "Water Girl Instrumental" something suddenly clicks with me and I'm ready for more surprises. That brings us to the final track "Love Is Here" and it's a full-on emotional finale.

So, what did I miss? I'm afraid subsequent listens haven't convinced me, but I suspect it's because of my cooled heels for this kind of pumped and powerful, rich and melodic Christian rock. So it's really tough for me to praise the music no matter how much love and effort this band has put into it. Now, it seems that Time Horizon's debut album has fared better in the ratings than "Transitions", so it could be that my lukewarm response is shared by others.

Still, I hate to leave what must surely have been a proud effort with unenthusiastic remarks. So allow me to emphasis that the music and the performances of each member are all high calibre. It may not be my ideal choice for inspiring music but surely this album will impress and thrill others. I'll give it another chance. If my opinions are shaken up with some new revelation then I will be glad to edit my review.