SMPT:E

This is one of the most talked about albums this year. It's a super- group that has been planned since 1998 that we can hear on this newly released CD. The original line-up consisted of Mike Portnoy (DREAM THEATER), Jim Matheos of FATES WARNING, Neal Morse of SPOCK'S BEARD and Pete Trewavas of MARILLION. Roine Stolt of the FLOWER KINGS later replaced Jim Matheos. The final result is an outstanding album by one of the most interesting progressive super-groups ever, featuring four of the genre's most talented musicians. Judging by the music you get the impression that Neal Morse and Roine Stolt have had the biggest influence on the project. The music is very close to both SPOCK'S BEARD and The FLOWER KINGS. Of course there's a lot of reminiscences to DREAM THEATER and MARILLION too, but not that obvious. The music is very 70's influenced and you often get to think about The BEATLES/Paul McCartney, ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA, Peter Gabriel era GENESIS, JETHRO TULL, KING CRIMSON, PINK FLOYD, STEELY DAN and YES. Both Neal Morse and Roine Stolt have great characteristic voices. Neal has laid a lot of beautiful Hammond organ throughout the whole album and it reminds you of SPOCK'S BEARD. Some might say that Roine Stolt's guitar playing is very reminiscent to Steve Howe of YES, but I have always claimed that Roine is one of Sweden's best guitarists with his own unique style and sound. You instantly know that it's Roine when you hear his guitar and that is the case on this album too. Most surprisingly is Mike Portnoy's drum playing on this album! It's far away from what he's playing in DREAM THEATER and he's approaching the music in a more melodic way. The tracks range from 5:45 to 30:59 minutes. The highlights are the thirty- minute epic masterpiece "All Of The Above" that is built up of six shorter parts and "My New World". The closing track is a cover of the old Procul Harum track "In Held ('Twas) In I" from their album "Shine On Brightly" (1968). Although this is a very "retro" sounding album, TRANSATLANTIC will end up as one of the best releases of 2000. Highly recommended, especially to lovers of The FLOWER KINGS, GENESIS, SPOCK'S BEARD and YES! If you don't already have the album you have no excuse for not buying it. They've already plans for a second album. I can't wait!