The Neal Morse Band - The Great Adventure (Radiant Records/Metal Blade)

Neal Morse (and the band) achieved something truly remarkable with Similitude of a Dream which was released back in 2016.  It was this writer’s choice for a progressive album of the year.  Now two years later, the group delivers a sequel in form of The Great Adventure.

At the moment of this writing I’m still trying to get to the matter of this record, but the excitement is there, and as soon as it’s over I want to press play again.  The same feeling immediately connects both albums, and the search continues.

The Great Adventure is a perfect title even from the musical standpoint; it does feel like it.  Lyrically of course there is a strong story behind that is conceptually worked out and well connected.  The message is very positive and reflecting Morse’s core beliefs. 

The outstanding musicianship guides this record, and allows the players to move in any direction at ease.  There are some great classic influences that come into play; deeply rooted in the 70’s and 80s classic prog or even rock.  But it’s the quality of the songwriting that shines here, as do the individual players.  Also, each member is singing on the album, and the combination of voices really opens up a lot of new possibilities.  Even though it’s Neal Morse’s name on the marquee, it really feels like a band.  And that’s something that is even more visible when seeing the group play live.

The Great Adventure is once again stretched onto two discs, and it’s nearly 100 minutes of music, but it doesn't feel like that at all.  It moves very quickly, and the themes are very melodic and memorable.  Every track here has its own place and function.  There are different vibes and the mood changes throughout the album making it a very exciting listen. 

The more you listen, the more you discover.  It’s a record certainly dedicated to a listener who likes to be challenged.  But the perfection is very obvious.  The Great Adventure is a sequel of epic proportions!

                                                                                                                                                                Mark Kadzielawa

Racing The Sun - Smokehouse (self-release)

Every now and then you find out your friends are not just music fans you see at the shows, but also musicians with a band.  Such is the case with Racing The Sun that includes not one but two guys I talk to and keep running into on regular basis.  And now I get to hear their music, and attempt to describe it for the world to to take notice.

Racing The Sun is a rock band with some unusual influences that fall outside of the typical box.  And that of course makes the music very interesting.  Their version of classic rock has some very cool traces of new wave.  The two bands that come to mind are Echo & The Bunnymen, and The Smiths.  And that is only in the instrumental sense, by no means Racing The Sun resembles either one of these groups vocally.  There is a traditional school of Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Free, and Cream that is still the guiding light for this band.  

Smokehouse is the newest EP from the band.  The five tracks were written and recorded with a movie in mind, but they can certainly stand on their own as just another chapter.  According to the band members it is the strongest effort from the group.  The music has a good feel, and the songs just drive you forward.  Singer, Bill Carlson, is a very capable vocalist with a great sense of melody in his voice.  Guitarist, Don Berg, has a very interesting approach to his playing.  And it’s his guitar sound and licks that really add a lot of color to this band.  The rhythm section is very solid.  Drummer, Sargon Beblis, and the newly acquired bassist, Randy Kertz create a very powerful background for Berg and Carlson to shine.  

Tracks like Smokehouse or Till It Hertz are very catchy and instantly memorable, as are the other three songs upon further listening.  Specifically, Smokehouse, with its piercing bluesy harmonica really sets the tone as to what this group is all about.  While Racing The Sun will not revolutionize the rock music, what they do is very convincing, and stylish.  You can feel the passion in their songs.  And that’s the selling point for this writer.  This EP is very enjoyable, but what’s more appealing is the potential this group is displaying.

Mark Kadzielawa