Kaleidoscope (InsideOutMusic, 2014)
The long awaited album by rock band Transatlantic is now out. Transatlantic is always described as a progressive rock supergroup and, indeed, the four musicians that participate in the project are outstanding instrumentalists with deep roots in symphonic progressive rock, but is all their music prog?
Kaleidoscope begins with a 25-minute piece titled ‘Into the Blue.’ The first three minutes demonstrate that all four musicians are exceptional performers who can create state of the art symphonic rock. The band later transitions into bluesy hard rock. Once the vocals start, the band’s sound transforms into a ballad rock outfit. The fine guitar that follows the vocals return the band to prog and hard rock mode with tasty mellotron intertwined by superb guitar work.
Track 2, ‘Shine’ is a sappy ballad that deserves little attention. Vocals are much better on track 3, ‘Black as the Sky.’ The galloping introduction sounds more like 1970s classic rock than progressive rock until you get to the great synthesizer solos accompanied by mellotron.
‘Beyond the Sun’ is yet another poppy ballad (despite the nice guitar work). The final cut is the 31-minute ‘Kaleidoscope,’ the album’s great epic. The instrumental parts really shine with great performances by Trewavas, Portnoy, Stolt and Morse.
The lineup on the album includes Neal Morse on keyboards, acoustic guitars, vocals; Roine Stolt on electric guitars, vocals, percussion, additional keyboards; Pete Trewavas on bass, vocals; and Mike Portnoy on drums, vocals.
Guests include Chris Carmichael on cello; Rich Mouser on pedal steel guitar on ‘Beyond the Sun’; and Daniel Gildenlöw on vocals on ‘Written in Your Heart’ (part of ‘Into the Blue’).
Transatlantic’s earlier recordings include Transatlantic, The Whirlwind, Whirld Tour 2010: Live in London, More Never Is Enough (live), and Bridge Across Forever.
Transatlantic will perform at the Progressive Nation At Sea 2014 Cruise from February 18th till the 22nd together with 22 other leading progressive rock and heavy metal acts including Adrian Belew Power Trio, Devin Townsend Project, King’s X, Anathema, Spock’s Beard and many more.
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