BRIDGE ACROSS FOREVER

Faster, stronger, bigger and brighter, 'Bridge Across Forever' somehow manages to improve upon this super-group foursome's excellent debut, retaining the feelgood factor and genuinely pushing the envelope in terms of structure, instrumentation and complete and utter full on proggery. It's pretty obvious that Roine Stolt(guitar, vocals), Mike Portnoy(drums), Neal Morse(keyboards, vocals) and Pete Trewavas(bass) genuinely enjoy working together, never more so on the vibrant rock 'n' roll of 'Suite Charlotte Pike', a track that positively bristles with funky gusto, and the vibrant interplay, complex harmonies and stunning creativity is a testament to their burgeoning relationship. Those who enjoyed 'SMPTE' will again be thrilled by the kaleidoscopic brew of modern prog sounds and textures on offer here, with the special edition CD containing a second disc filled with the group's re-interpretations of classic prog anthems. Another treat, Transatlantic continue to delight their growing legion of fans across the world. STEFAN TURNER, LONDON, 2010