New progressive rock supergroup Exo X – Xeno released “Luminous Voyage,” on June 19th of this year. At a time when supergroups are seen less often, this band came around at the right time. The members of this band read like a Who’s Who of progressive rock. Included are members: Founder: Craig Maher, who plays lead guitars and sings lead vocals; Billy Sherwood, (Yes, Toto and Conspiracy with Chris Squire), who plays bass and sings backing vocals; Jay Schellen (Hurricane, Yes, and Asia), who plays drums, and the legendary keyboardist Patrick Moraz, (Refugee, Yes, and The Moody Blues).
Imagine this star power bringing you a different version of the Yes/Circa sound. They do a wonderful job bringing the sound forward and providing innovative and dynamic sounds that give their message and music uniqueness, despite the noticeable similarities.
“The record is filled with melody and interesting lyrics that transport the listener to another place,” Billy Sherwood said. “Craig’s guitar chops are off-the-chain good, the guy can play anything. That said, he doesn’t just shred for shred’s sake, rather he comes from a place of melody in his playing. The guitar tones he goes for always fit the song perfectly and enhances it. Craig is a gifted writer and musician, plus he sings like a bird. Craig has a musicality about him that is inspiring and among the many reasons I enjoy working with him,” Sherwood said. “He has a creativity in his writing, he’s not afraid to push the envelope. That’s something I’ve always tried to do as well, and so we had an instant bond when it came to working together.” Calling the album a “masterpiece” and “absolutely brilliant,” Patrick Moraz said, “The more we listen to it, the more discoveries, and sonic explorations there are! Unbelievable!”
Well, how do you follow that, huh? I am so happy they chose Craig Maher as the lead singer. Had they chose Billy Sherwood, the album would ultimately be compared to Yes. But Maher’s voice sounds like a strained and perfectly aged Steve Perry vocal, which again gives this band more of its own identity.
Yes, they have the stars in their album constellation, but they made some great strategic band decisions from the start, and that has paid off to create one of this year’s best progressive rock albums.
The “Luminous Voyage” begins with…well…what else… “The Event Horizon.” This nearly four-minute masterpiece of an instrumental introduction is just how I would have started the album. Surprise the listeners with the lead singer on the next song. First, give the listeners what they came for, a virtuoso illumination of this treasure of musicians you have assembled. And of course, open it with Patrick Moraz’ keyboards, programming, and orchestration to light every fan’s eyes and warm their ears for more. Maher’s intricate and dynamic lead electric guitar work, supported with Sherwood’s Squire-like bass, and Schellen’s drums, just set this album apart from anything you’ve heard before this moment. Yes, in a way, it is its own event horizon. This may be the best song on the album. Best planned, for sure.
“Vitruvian Man,” is the longest song at 7 minutes. Named after “Leonardo da Vinci’s drawing, “The Vitruvian Man,” which illustrates Vitruvius’s concept of ideal human proportions and their relationship to geometry and architecture.” It features Yes-like guitars, keyboards, and sounds that remind you of some of the best we have heard from the band, early in their career. Maher’s playing is stunning. At times I hear Steve Howe, at others, Neal Schon. Maher’s Steve Perry – like vocals really do set this band apart from the sounds of other Yes-like bands. Sherwood’s Squire-like bass is predominant throughout this track. Schellen doers not miss a beat on drums. Maher and Sherwood’s dual force vocal brings back the best years of Howe, Squire, and Anderson singing together. Patrick Moraz’ harpsichord playing near the end, lights the soundscape with hope. Maher’s guitar soloing is also unforgettable. This band is Maher’s show, despite the laurels of Moraz, and the others.
“At the Water’s Edge,” opens with soft acoustic guitar and those, “lighting the way” keyboards. This one really does sound like a Yes song. But, at just over 2 and a half minutes it is the pause in the action you almost expected and absolutely will appreciate. Maher does his best Steve Howe playing and it is unforgettable.
“Onward, Love,” opens with rocketing lead electric guitar from Maher. He sings, “You are loved. You are the salt of the earth. I am your hero,” as if Jon Anderson said it himself. But through Steve Perry’s voice. It is such a phenomenon to hear it. It must be inspired by the vastly under-appreciated “Tormato” hit “Onward” you remember from Yes. No, it is not the same lyrics or music, but there are unmistakable similarities. Moraz missed playing on the “Tormato’ album by two years. Maybe he was inspired by the song.
“Reaching for Beyond,” also sounds and starts out like a Yes song. Maybe a little like “Owner of a Lonely Heart”, without the beautiful opening from that song. This song dives right into the music. It sounds more like the 1980s versions of Yes. You can definitely tell all of these band members appreciate Yes, and especially the lyrics and types of positive song titles and lyrics Jon Anderson is renowned for originating.
“Into the Night,” opens similarly to the last track with high pitched lead electric guitar. Sherwood takes the edge off with bass, just like Squire used to do with Yes. Maher sings, “And through the wars you’ll sing. There stands a child seeking. He faced the fires and breathing into the night.” A powerful, Anderson-like visionary song. Maher sings, “Will we awaken from our darkest dreams. To see the new dawn of Man. Touched by nature. Will we reach for the stars?” Then, the band finishes the song with an instrumental section; where lead electric guitar bounces off the bass and drums; and the keyboards help us find our way home.
“Live Life,” opens with electric guitar rhythms, supported by bass and drums. Maher sings the key spirit, that all bands who try to bring back the best of Yes do, “The moment is lost, but it never dies.” He concludes with the most important statement anyone could make to any generation, “Live life!”
“Luminous Voyage,” was mastered by Maor Appelbaum and Ryan Sillifant, in Los Angeles. The vinyl was mastered by Eric Boulanger at The Bakery, Los Angeles. The vinyl was pressed at Citizen Vinyl, Asheville, NC. “Luminous Voyage” is available for digital download starting on June 19 at the official Exo-store webpage and on Bandcamp.
Exo X – Xeno’s “Luminous Voyage,” is a wonderful journey for all Yes fans to take with some of their favorite Yes members or former members, as well as performers of a like mind. No, it is not Yes, but the vocal harmonies and music will remind you of the best of Yes. And after all, who doesn’t love positive messages and music? I do, and I will always be willing to hear more from bands that sound like Yes. Because seminal bands like Genesis, Yes, ELP, King Crimson, and Pink Floyd will always have fans, and plenty of bands and musicians who were influenced by their great works. There is nothing wrong with emulating your heroes. They use similar sounds with new lyrics and intricate new instrumentation. So yes, join Exo X – Xeno’s “Luminous Voyage,” and enjoy the ride!
Album Track List:
- The Event Horizon – 3:43
- Vitruvian Man – 7:00
- At the Water’s Edge – 2:36
- Onward, Love – 5:08
- Reaching for Beyond – 5:54
- Into the Night – 5:53
- Live Life – 5:43
Band Website and Social Media Links:
Band Website store: https://exo-x-xeno.com/store
Bandcamp Page: https://exo-x-xeno.bandcamp.com
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/exoXxeno
YouTube and Music Video Links:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/exoXxeno