OCTANE

This, for me, IS Spock's Beard. I know that a lot has changed since the Neal Morse era, and the over the top proginess, and instrumentation have been tuned down for this one (for the most part), but actually, I enjoy this more than some of the older albums. Octane have more elements of pop, rock, symphonic and also strong progressive moments. But first of all it's very good music. This album is great for an easy introduction for newbie prog listeners, and should be an easy transition into other albums (and bands for that matter). I love Neal Morse and his music with Transatlantic and his other solo projects, but whilst listening to Transatlantic's 'Whirlwind' it struck me, that though Neal Morse is the master of progressive arrangements, he doesn't evolve that much. It's basically the same stuff as on his solo albums, and the other Transatlantic albums as well. 'Octane' is an album evolving from beginning to end, and is a fresh, and original addition to the progressive rock album collection. I gotta say, I love this one...