THE KINDNESS OF STRANGERS

I think this is Spock's Beard's first great release. Everything prior appears to be a band trying to find their 'sound'. Definitely hit the nail on the head with The Kindness Of Strangers. Very melodic, very prog, and no fillers.

It starts off with "The Good Don't Last" -- a 10 minute epic that has flashes of Kansas, with strings reminescent of ELO. Some nice acoustic interludes, mixed in with the crushing Hammond B-3 of Ryo. Quickly becoming a favorite.

"The Good Don't Last" gives way to the real foot stomper of the disc - "In The Mouth Madness". It's a bit manic in spots and not really a favorite of mine, as I tend to gravitate to the more melodic side of Spock's Beard. Still, a lack luster SB tune is pretty good. Excellent drumming by Nick D'Virgilio, however.

"A Cake Walk On Easy Street" is as upbeat as "Madness", but really some beautiful piano moments and excellent soaring vocals by Morse. After a couple of really heavy songs, Spock's Beard slows it down with "June", which is very acoustic in nature. It seems a bit autobiographical as they refer to the crowd asking for "Waste Away", which is off the previous album, "Beware Of Darkness". Still, a nice change of pace with some excellent harmonies from Nick and an ending a bit similar to "Carie", a ballad from Snow, which would come a few years later.

"Harm's Way" is the second of 3 epics from The Kindness Of Strangers. Time signatures that makes sharp turns and changes, with piano that almost reminds me of a classical piece. "Harm's Way" is among the best tunes on the disc. One of those early songs that would define the classic Spock's Beard sound. The most refreshing part is Alan Morse calming it down a bit with a nice solo. Out of all the members, Alan has never been member with whom I can listen and go, "Wow! What a strong musician". He seems more content with forcing his guitar to churn out little fart noises than showing any musicianship whatsoever. If the man would play, then I would consider it an upgrade. Nonetheless, excellent tune with a classic Neal Morse performance. Song just absolutely flies.

Bringing the disc to a close is "Flow", the final and longest epic. The song begins with the instruments alternating from left to right speakers. You're a bit off guard at first, but once it catches fire, Spock's Beard launch into an instrumental intro of a quickened pace, before yielding to the soft organ and piano of Ryo and Neal. What is really evident, however, is the ingredient that is missing from Spock's Beard today: the passion of Neal Morse. I read on PA recently about how sterile and 'gay' Morse's vocals are. A truly bogus statement, if ever there was one. Maybe not one of prog's strongest vocalists; but, Neal has an undeniable passion in his voice. And that passion is what's missing with Nick singing lead. It's so clear that I'm amazed that there are some who don't see it, as well.

Like I said, I think this was the first Spock's Beard disc to capture their soul throughout the Morse era. I was a bit surprised just how good it was because I bought it after Beware Of Darkness, which still hasn't latched on to me. I give this anywhere between 4 to 5 stars. It's that good.