Spock's Beard
V

How much we miss the personality of Neal Morse, how much we miss it! And among the gems he has given us with Spock's Beard, one cannot help but mention the extraordinary "V" from 2000.

Without a doubt, one of the most successful masterpieces in the progressive rock arena. Those who love progressive rock cannot let it slip from their hands. 6 excellent songs for 63 minutes of true emotions. I couldn’t tell you if this is Spock's Beard's best work, but it is certainly one of the most successful examples of their artistic capabilities, and it is highly recommended for those who want to know them and have a first impact with their music. Perhaps it is slightly more accessible compared to the previous albums (I am particularly referring to the shorter tracks), but the title of masterpiece is not taken away for any reason.

"At The End Of The Day", with its 16 and a half minutes, offers moments of pure suggestion and melancholy, fast parts with excellent drumming, nice riffs with the Hammond (particularly the solo that intervenes before the final part), and subtle guitar melodies. Very promising start! Then immediately follows the melancholic and perhaps even a bit sad "Revelation" characterized by dark sounds, jazzy touches that lead into a stronger chorus. More marked virtuosity in "Thoughts Part. II" which continues the discourse begun in "Beware Of Darkness": some organ and acoustic guitar snippets only act as a brief pause to the various piano and Hammond scales and the excellent central bass riff. Even the most catchy "All On A Sunday" cannot disappoint: verse-chorus structure, decidedly soft acoustic and electric guitars but Ryo Okumoto's Hammond makes itself heard with good riffs. And the acoustic ballad "Goodbye To Yesterday" is placed there ready to give us yet another train of emotions before... what's next... The superb suite "The Great Nothing"; 27 minutes (their longest track ever) that is truly worth listening to until the very end: intro almost like an odyssey in space, well-determined guitars, acoustic arpeggios, perfect synth solos, beautiful guitar-keyboard unisons, impeccable Hammond accompaniment, very well-crafted and theatrical finale. We feel a bit of everything in this suite which, according to who knows how many people, would be worth the entire album on its own.

And what else should I say to close this very delicate review? Nothing! Until the listener has heard this album, they will never appreciate its greatness! 5 stars without a second thought!