I have recently heard and reviewed both the new Riverside and Neal Morse albums. Here are some quick thoughts.
Riverside's Second Life Syndrome is even better than their highly appraised debut Out of Myself. It is darker, better written, and less derivative than the debut, showing noticeable growth and improvement in the guitarist's playing and riff construction, as well as bassist and Duda's vocals. He is a lot more expressive now and he even does some growlish vocals on a couple of tunes. Click on the link below for a more detailed review of the concept and music on Second Life Syndrome:
http://www.seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=2874
As for Neal Morse's new disc, simply titled ?, well, I can easily say it's his best solo album to date. Perhaps not as complex as One, but therefore, it is more focused with substantial contribution from all three guitarists, Neal's brother Alan Morse from Spock's Beard, Steve Hackett from Genesis, and Roine Stolt from The Flower Kings. Furthermore, along with Portnoy we have Jordan Rudess on keys, as well as a great lineup of cello, violin and string players. The religious imagery is still there, but fear not, ? is arguably Morse's most progressive output as a solo artist. More details here:
http://www.seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=2873
Both albums are highly recommended, but I find myself playing the Riverside a bit more often these days.
Riverside's Second Life Syndrome is even better than their highly appraised debut Out of Myself. It is darker, better written, and less derivative than the debut, showing noticeable growth and improvement in the guitarist's playing and riff construction, as well as bassist and Duda's vocals. He is a lot more expressive now and he even does some growlish vocals on a couple of tunes. Click on the link below for a more detailed review of the concept and music on Second Life Syndrome:
http://www.seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=2874
As for Neal Morse's new disc, simply titled ?, well, I can easily say it's his best solo album to date. Perhaps not as complex as One, but therefore, it is more focused with substantial contribution from all three guitarists, Neal's brother Alan Morse from Spock's Beard, Steve Hackett from Genesis, and Roine Stolt from The Flower Kings. Furthermore, along with Portnoy we have Jordan Rudess on keys, as well as a great lineup of cello, violin and string players. The religious imagery is still there, but fear not, ? is arguably Morse's most progressive output as a solo artist. More details here:
http://www.seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=2873
Both albums are highly recommended, but I find myself playing the Riverside a bit more often these days.
