BRIDGE ACROSS FOREVER

Just to set up a confidence interval, there's no way this is lower than a three, and no way it's higher than a four. Of course, that's a personal opinion, but it's obvious that this is neither terrible nor groundbreaking prog. It's just four very good musicians who--for whatever reason--didn't cut things loose on the virtuosity or creativity criteria. Solid, but unspectacular, music.

Duel with the Devil. Very similar to SMPTe's opener, this one attempts to be heavier, though I think it fails in that respect. There is a great opener, with plenty of symphonic guitar and keyboard throw-ins, as well as numerous references (Gentle Giant most obvious), and a good melody and chorus (if you can get past some less-than-oblique lyrics). The song then moves through rocking, jazzy,and dreamy sections, as well as numerous refrains. It just doesn't work as well as before: the "motherless children" section is cheesy, the instrumental sections don't have the energy, and the closing guitar solo isn't as earth-shattering as necessary. Good material and intent, just not to maximum effect.

Suite Charlotte Pike. I love it. This is a happy jam that is perfectly structured, and a true collaborative effort. This doesn't replicate The Beatles' sound well, but nothing else I've heard has either. After the attempted depth of the first track, hearing the guys just rocking and having fun is a pleasure.

Bridge Across Forever. What a forgettable and generic title track--a real head-scratcher and confusing decision. Boring and skippable.

Stranger in Your Soul. I think that Transatlantic have really accomplished something here: great melodies, plenty of rocking, absolutely beautiful arrangements, shared vocals, and a lasting impact on the listener. For me, it just doesn't quite hold up. I like it every time, but it just doesn't move me. That is probably completely subjective, so take it with a grain of salt.

Half of me wishes Transatlantic stayed together, and the other half believes that they had no more to offer. Either way, this is a fitting, if not triumphant, send-off for one of the great prog supergroups...their hearts were in the right place, and for that I give four stars.