OCTANE

For me, it's over. This CD is paint-by-numbers music. They should definitely change their name, because this band bears no resemblance to the Spock's Beard of years past. True, four-fifths of the band is the same but it's that one-fifth (Neal Morse) that made all the difference. So many missed musical opportunities here, no development of ideas. This band used to have music that felt like one was opening a Christmas present, unexpected twists and turns, never knowing what was coming next. The only things worth listening to for me are the opening track, the intro to "The Planet's Hum" (just the intro) and "Game Face" off the bonus CD in the Special Edition. "Game Face" especially sounds like it was written off a drum pattern by Nick, albeit a nice one, which makes for a very fusion-sounding number. Do more of this, you'll have me back, but the trend for the last 2 cds is very sad indeed. Consider me gone.