A DRAMATIC TURN OF EVENTS

the true mark of a band's ability is to stay focussed amid changing times (and personnel) and still come up with their own signature tunes. very few great bands have survived the loss of a key member/s:

- one of the best muisicians ever, Pink Floyd only managed 2 albums after Waters left the band and while there were great songs on them, they were not quite the stuff of the past.

- and while Deep Purple still play on without Blackmore and Lord, they are a pale shadow of the "real" Deep Purple. from having been a die-hard fan who owns all their albums since the 70s, i haven't heard a single new song of theirs since "The Battle Rages On..."

coming to Dream Theater. is Mike Portnoy the small crack that will cause a painful downward spiral? well, if A Dramatic Turn Of Events is anything to go by, HELL NO!

i had mixed feelings when the Portnoy story broke - but i am, and will always be, a supporter of the collective vs. the individual, so i looked forward to this album probably more eagerly than their previous ones, following the audition saga intently and cheering when the picked the new Mike...

the album itself is clearly fresh and full of DTisms. in the absence of the (probably) over-bearing MP, all the guys have stood up to be counted. Petrucci has always been a pillar not just with the guitar but also the songwriting and continues to be the dominant force but:

On The Backs Of Angels: everyone shines, include the new Mike (listen to the cymbals at 3:28)

Build Me Up, Break Me Down: has James LaBrie written all over it. if you haven't already, go listen to his latest - "Static Impulse" and you'll see what i mean...i like!

Bridges In The Sky, Outcry: is that John Myung's bass i can hear shining through?

Breaking All Illusions: everyone plays a part again but Rudess' keyboard playing is mindblowing

This Is The Life, Beneath The Surface: the booklet doesn't say so, but a lot of the melodies sound like LaBrie had something to do with them...

and the new Mike stays in the background for now, but does a super job playing everything the other guys throw at him and then some more. we know Mike M can do more (better, faster, more complex etc.) but i guess we'll have to wait for DT's next work of art...

till then, i think i'll still be enjoying A Dramatic Turn Of Events!