OFFICE OF STRATEGIC INFLUENCE

Yes, that ex-Dream Theater keyboardest is back, and this time without his usual Chroma Key guise. Teaming up with ex-bandmate Mike Portnoy (still of Dream Theater) and featuring apperances by the likes of Steven Wilson, this is an album that has great potential, and believe me, it delivers. With some somewhat Tool-esque soundscapes and some elements of the Kevin Moore DT that have been out of action for quite some time, this is an album that shouldn't be missed by prog fans.

Home to three instumentals, a couple of longer tracks and some downright short-form-prog this album is a highpoint from start to finish. From the opening keyboard on THE NEW MATH to the ending vocals on STANDBY the album flaunts some great vocals, instumentation, and all around structure, especially since the shorter songs don't feel short and all seem to meld together (in a good way) to create a very prog feeling cd, you often get the feeling that if Pink Floyd were formed in the early new milennium, they'd have sounded like this.

Some noteable highpoints on the album include the heavy title track, OSI, the reflectively evil instumentals HORSESHOES AND B52s, and DIRT FROM A HOLY PLACE, and of course, the Steve Wilson voiced SHUTdown. Each one of these tracks offers a very new sound, evolving the album as it goes... and each just rocks.

At the end, this is a great album from a great band that I hope to see good things from in the future. 4.5 stars, excellent addition to any prog collection.

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