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Transatlantic - The Whirlwind CD (album) cover

THE WHIRLWIND

Transatlantic

 

Symphonic Prog

4.07 | 1034 ratings

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Gatot
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
4 stars I thought their second album was the end of this supergroup. But in fact thy still made this album eight years after their second effort. I salute on this part as they still consistent in making progressive music that initially was predominated with the kind of Spock's Beard music. I find it hard here with this third album as, I think, they have made their own identity crafting from their individual talents. Yes, I find the music is very captivating from start to end and I fell like I am enjoying a very long song that has 77 minutes duration. Even though the song comprises twelve pars but I still find it like a one song as it flows nicely from one part to another. I think the band has successfully introduced a lot of the newer prog fans to a style of progressive rock that hadn't been recorded or appreciated in decades, melodic 70′s prog in modern technology.

The overarching scene of the music is their creativity to form composition that blends their individual talents where Neal Morse was previously the frontman and major composer of Spock's Beard while Portnoy was a significant contributor of Dream Theater's composition. I can find there is little Portnoy's metal influence right here with this wonderfully crafted album. Roine Stolt style is unique and he left his style with Flower Kings way behind and put himself as member of supergroup. While Marillion bass player Pete Trewavas has much more significant role in his basslines work right here with this album. The result is a beatiful music that flows nicely from start until end. I find myself drown into deep whenever I listen to this music. Yes there are parts that represent musical breaks through mellow style in some segments but as a whole this Whirlwind epic is an excellent one to enjoy. I really like how the band presents themselves in varied tempo and style changes with their own instruments that make the overall album is an enjoyable music. Looking at its overall composition, I find that the album has an excellent and memorable melody throughout the epic even though at micro level there were some changes - otherwise we will get bored with it. The harmonies produced through combined work of keyboard, bass, guitar and drums are truly excellent. They all contribute great rhythm section for vocal line. There are various changes in signatures, tempo and style throughout the album where the movement from one part to another have been bridged beautifully by the band so that you would not feel there is a change that is happening while you listen to it. The structure of the music is also gorgeous as you find it enjoying just one long song but you don't get bored. There is a structural integrity of its music that makes the music sounds cohesive from start to end.

What I take away from this album is that it was a solid effort by some of the best musicians in progressive rock. I'm happy they are back together to give us this very enjoyable album. This album proves the ultimate achievement in composing music until the limit of the technology where the maximum of 80 minutes on a CD is closely reached by another 3 minutes .... This is an excellent album that you should not miss at all. 4.5 star rating. Keep on proggin' ...!!!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

Gatot | 4/5 |

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