Neal Morse gets the band back together for yet another sweeping, grandiose modern progressive rock masterpiece with L.I.F.T.
You may be wondering what L.I.F.T stands for. Well, according to the media blurb: “It’s kind of whatever the listener wants it to be.” So there you have it…..decide for yourself.
As usual, Neal is joined by Eric Gillette, Bill Hubauer, Randy George and Mike Portnoy. This album was recorded in double quick time when Portnoy had a brief window around his Dream Theater commitments.
And also as usual with Neal, there is a spiritually themed concept which “starts with being connected, then getting unconnected, and then being reconnected again through the help of God.” A religious belief is not contingent on enjoying the album.
The music starts with Beginning. A typical Morse opener of a (mostly) bombastic instrumental during which each band member has their own spot to strut their stuff individually and collectively. The chemistry between them is clear.
Fully Alive eases back a bit from the pace of Beginning coming in as a more melodic affair yet with bite as Gillette’s guitar comes in hot.
Gravity’s Grip is a couple of minutes of a short, sharp shock with some fabulous synths and Portnoy’s thumping drums.
Then comes for me the finest track on the album – Hurt People. A massive rocker – basically prog metal. Much riffage, glorious keyboard runs, Portnoy at his masterful best behind the kit, the angry slightly distorted vocal effects and, oh, Gillette’s solo is something spectacular.
Here’s the video:
The Great Withdrawal comes next as a sweeping slab of melodic prog and Gillette lets rip again. Then another short instrument interlude before the soulful, brooding Shame About My Shame.
Reaching goes more towards a typical catchy rocker with a big hook. Then Carry You Again varies things up being piano and acoustic based.
Fully Alive Part 2 continues Fully Alive from earlier. Big guitars, soaring keyboards and Portnoy drumming up the proverbial storm.
The eleven minute suite of Love All Along brings things to a close in sumptuous style. A slow start gradually broods and builds up to the breakout into the sweepingly spectacular and it’s magnificent.
Morse and the band on top, top form throughout the entire album. Each member a master of their craft and they merge together so very well. The big, bold, clear production emphasises that.
All in all – a quite superb album. Usual formats available.
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