I know the word epic is overused within this community
however there is no other apt word to describe what they have accomplished yet
again on this recording.
If you are going to purchase this album make it worth your
while and get the special edition with the bonus CD and DVD, you will not be
sorry. The “Making Of” is always so much fun to take in. Everything is done at
Neal’s studio and it shows the listeners how the entire project is constructed
from day one. The setting couldn’t by any more intimate as it brings you into
Neal’s kitchen at lunch while the band members discuss the day’s events and
their ideas for each track. This is a part of the Transatlantic releases I
always look forward to. There is plenty to enjoy and laugh about as always so
it is a welcome addition.
On to the meat and potatoes now…the opening track "Into The Blue" is a
prog rock omnibus encompassing a 5 part suite taking up a lofty 25:11 of the
first disc. It is a grand way to open the curtain for this amazing super group.
The first part is “Overture (instrumental)” which leads you into “The Dreamer
And The Healer” then on to “A New Beginning” to “Written In Your Heart” and
finalized with “The Dreamer And The Healer (reprise). Every aspect of this band
is here in this suite for your anxious ears to consume. The songs link together
like Mother Nature and the food chain while ebbing and flowing like the tides
of the oceans. It is all done in true classic prog fashion like their forefathers
Yes.
What makes this machine work is their obvious chemistry,
the undying love for all progressive music and lastly and most importantly, the
multitude of talents every member has to offer. It is an all-inclusive display
of those factors. This band’s respect for the music and from whence it came is
written in their own signature sound. Their star shines so brightly with the
first track then again comes out in many colors (indeed like a Kaleidoscope) on the fantastic cover
songs on the bonus disc. Everyone gets their opportunity to contribute vocals
and instrumentation and it all folds nicely into one whole entity to make
Transatlantic a special kind of experience.
I like the fact that Mike is singing more all the time,
he has so much energy and personality and his voice just lights up a room. His
voice is very distinct and I for one like it. His choice of covering the Procol
Harum classic “Conquistador” is well suited to his tone and approach. "Indiscipline (King Crimson cover)" is a superb prog classic done very well. With all of its twists and turns it was tailor made for this band to cover. As to be
expected all of the instrumentation is exceptional and I think what makes it
even more special for the band is that they really are all friends enjoying the
process of creating. It becomes obvious while watching the video footage in the
studio and around Neal’s home. As a fan and appreciative listener I feel like I
became a part of this recording in a different way when I experienced their
“process” as they went through it.
Now to close the curtain they do it again with another
huge musical mountain climb to the zenith of prog rock with the title track “Kaleidoscope.”
This one exceeds the first epic coming in at 31:53. Everything sandwiched in
between is excellent as well. “Shine” is a deeply touching spiritual track that
fits in Neal’s back pocket like a well-worn glove. If you look at the titles of
the tracks they cover the range of emotions one can have during the course of a
day. This music spurs on emotions within and that is the whole point right?
They succeed in many ways from where this listener sits. The complexities of
the music do not overshadow the human touch on this recording, you can feel the
music every step of the way and that is the beauty and simplicity of it.
Complex yet simple- complete opposites of the spectrum yet it does work out
that way in spite of the differences between the two.
Everything about Transatlantic is unique, inspirational
and musically solid. What they offer is musical perfection, prog rock nirvana
and the complete musical experience. If you walk away from Kaleidoscope unsatisfied or unfulfilled you had better check the
obituaries to make sure you are not listed. The members of this band are the
keepers of the flame and the literal heartbeat of prog music today. It is
highly recommended that you to listen to what they have to offer.
5/5 Stars
Key
Tracks: Kaleidoscope, Into The Blue, Indiscipline (King Crimson cover)
Keith “MuzikMan”
Hannaleck-Prog Rock Music Talk Founder
February 13, 2014
Tracks:
CD1:
Into The Blue (25:13)
Shine (7:28)
Black As the Sky (6:45)
Beyond The Sun (4:31)
Kaleidoscope (31:53)
CD2 (Bonus CD):
And You And I (Yes cover) (10:45)
Can't Get It Out Of My Head (ELO cover) (4:46)
Conquistador (Procol Harum cover) (4:13)
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (Elton John) (3:20)
Tin Soldier (Small Faces cover) (3:22)
Sylvia (Focus cover) (3:49)
Indiscipline (King Crimson cover) (4:45)
Nights In White Satin (The Moody Blues cover) (6:13)
DVD:
1. The Making of Kaleidoscope
2. Shine Video Clip
3. Prog Awards Behind The Scenes
Tracks:
CD1:
Into The Blue (25:13)
Shine (7:28)
Black As the Sky (6:45)
Beyond The Sun (4:31)
Kaleidoscope (31:53)
CD2 (Bonus CD):
And You And I (Yes cover) (10:45)
Can't Get It Out Of My Head (ELO cover) (4:46)
Conquistador (Procol Harum cover) (4:13)
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (Elton John) (3:20)
Tin Soldier (Small Faces cover) (3:22)
Sylvia (Focus cover) (3:49)
Indiscipline (King Crimson cover) (4:45)
Nights In White Satin (The Moody Blues cover) (6:13)
DVD:
1. The Making of Kaleidoscope
2. Shine Video Clip
3. Prog Awards Behind The Scenes
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