H R H - R E V I E W S

Spock's Beard
Spock's Beard InsideOut Music

Comments: "When it rains, it pours." A phrase that Vai spoke in regards to his composing streaks and undying source of inspiration. A phrase representing both, Spock's Beard and their label Inside Out. The stream of high profile top releases is ongoing with both. This self-titled Spock's Beard CD is again an action packed thrill ride through the widest spectre of progressive minds and music. Front to back it is packed with highly energetic prog, still claiming the band's top position in the scene, as well as stating the band's current standing in the post Neal Morse era.

Spock's Beard strikes you immediately. The band never recorded a self-titled debut like so many others. No, Spock's Beard releases their self-titled 'debut' being the ninth piece of art. Pieces of art covers the load perfectly in this matter. The music is written in bold, nicely paragraphed and neatly interlaced with strong lyrics. Exploding into phantastic musical 'jams' blowing away the innocent bystanders.

The full throttle rocker "On a Perfect Day" rocks out instantly, with nice flowing guitars and keyboard parts as lead in towards a melodic rocking mood rocker on which D'Virgilio shines with his warm voice. The hard pumping bass riffs interacting with acoustic cello's are another binding factor in this powerful track. An upbeat is found with the following solo-extravaganza opening of the corker "Skeletons at the Feast." Swirling and colourful keyboards and Moogs over a heavy shredding guitar riff and thunderous drums, all in a stunning 11/8! "Is This Love" powers up a bit more with exceptional power and rhythmic diversity, paving ways for the first two breathers -- "All That's Left" with its intimacy and the 11 minute (!) piano 'moment' "With Your Kiss."

Slowly building up tension without losing its gripping intimate feeling. Listen and linger … "Sometimes They Stay, Sometimes They Go" revives a turbulent groove of the seventies over a freely flying guitar riff. Creating space for an odd tune in the Beard of Spock; the rather bluesy and emotional "The Slow Crash Landing Man" with its heartfelt lyrics and sound, slowly growing on you. "Wherever You Stand" stomps again with a powerful retro sound and angry (young man) vocals, reviving a Styx feeling of old times.

Another piano momentum is presented in the gorgeous duet "Hereafter." But it wouldn't be Spock's Beard without throwing in an extra unexpected punch to send you home in pain and agony. The jaw breaking "As Far as the Mind Can See" is a 17-minute long spun musical outburst of geniality and perfection, subdivided into four chapters. "Dreaming in the Age of Answers" doesn't reveal its surprises on the first spin, but grows on you. The second chapter however is gripping and going for the throat directly with '70's rooted key patterns and hard riffs. Gloomy and dark sounds over jazzy rhythms. The frustrated and angry (whispering) vocals telling the tale, only add more fuel to the fire.

Like the aforementioned, "They know we know" is another 'short' track in the Spock catalogue, showcasing the abilities to write compact songs that are easier to handle for the majority of listeners. The songs are reminiscent of old Asia, Pink Floyd and ELP with its big bodied keyboards and pompous melodyline. "Stream of Unconsciousness" wraps up the epic rock outburst with old fashioned melodic prog sounds. Loud swirling keyboards in an enthusiastic high energy melodic rock setting, showing the bands ability to surprise on top of surprises. "Rearranged" wraps up a 78 minute long tour through the musical landscapes of Spock's Beard, visiting the warmest summers and the coldest of winters in a grotesque world of music.

This band is able to surprise over and over again. Even though they have created their very own unique style of progressive metal, Spock's Beard always managed to step away from the obvious and move into unexpected directions and musical genres. Always true and warm, with never a dull moment. The musical craftsmanship is top notch, as is their ability of songwriting. It is all simply perfect, it is all: Spock's Beard!

www.spocksbeard.com

HRH Rating: 9.6/10