SMPT:E

This is an uneven debut-album by this impressive supergroup. Although most of the band's material was pre-written by Neal Morse the longer tracks still manage to shine a lot more than the original demo recordings which can be heard on the album The Transatlantic Demos. A huge surprise for me was the re-recording of the great Procol Harum opus because I never really care much for that composition in the past but thanks to Transatlantic it now shines in a whole different light and I actually consider it to be one of my all time favorite lengthier pieces. Although it doesn't surpass the original it still adds to this album, beside it's great when a band gives credit where credit is deserved.

As for the original material that SMPTe has to offer, I just never liked it all that much. This might have to do a lot with the far more superior follow up album which perfects the formula of both the lengthy and shorter piece. I still do enjoy listening to All Of The Above since some of the sections are truly magnificent but, composition-wise, it just doesn't hold a candle to Duel With The Devil or even Stranger In Your Soul.

Eventually the band would come into their own on their next release which I highly recommend getting before this debut album. If you've already heard Bridge Across Forever and feel like hearing more from where it came from then, by all means, pick it up and continue on in you Transatlantic-quest!

**** star songs: All Of The Above (30:59) My New World (16:15) In Held ('Twas) In I (17:21)

*** star songs: We All Need Some Light (5:44) Mystery Train (6:51)

Total Rating: 3,84