SECOND NATURE

Producer Bill Evans had this idea of putting a band together that was accessible and yet complex and fronted by a pop singer. So we have Neal Morse on keyboards, Mike Portnoy on drums, Steve Morse on guitar and Dave LaRue on bass. Yes the latter two are from the DIXIE DREGS. Apparently they looked at around 100 pop singers before Portnoy suggested Casey McPherson from ALPHA REV who was hired.

I forgot who was on this album other than Portnoy, but decided it would be an interesting first spin not knowing who was involved. By Track five I knew Neal Morse was here because he sings on that one. My conclusion was that the singer isn't on the level as the musicians. He came across as very middle of the road. He's a good singer but he seems like a "safe" pick.

So they have FLYING COLORS listed here under Prog-Related for a reason. "Second Nature" can be fairly straight forward, but I liked a lot of this, and it really smokes at times. Four of the nine tracks are really good, but unfortunately the other five are below average in my opinion. The almost 12 minute closer is like a mini version of the album in the sense it is very hit and miss, mostly miss. I feel that this doesn't end well with those last four tracks but the one Neal sings on is quite good called "A Place in Your World". Then add the three opening tracks "Open Up Your Eyes", "Mask Machine" and "Bombs Away" and that's my top four.

This is a band that seems to be on a mission, going on tour after every album then releasing a live one. So three studio records and three live ones so far. I just have this 2014 release which is their second one, and it certainly has it's moments. These guys can bring it.