SPOCKS BEARD
"Snow"
(Metal Blade/Radiant Records)

Spock's Beard are a band who have been making waves in the world of progressive rock for several years now. "Snow" is to be a two disc album (although I was only given one disc to review), and it will be their first concept album. Snow is the name of the album's main character, a boy who goes from being on outcast to being a messiah. Spock's Beard's music, being progressive rock, is very influenced by the masters of the genre, such as Yes, ELP, King Crimson, and Genesis, as well as bands like Pink Floyd and Rush. They also have classical and jazz influences as well. They throw a lot into their pot. They used sophisticated, complex arrangements and soaring vocal harmonies. Keyboards are a dominant instrument (including Hammond organs and Moog synthesizers, which give the album a 70's feel), but they use just about every instrument under the sun, including horns and strings in some places. The guitars on this album seem to take a back seat. Personally, I think they should put them more up front. The guitar players in this band are very good, and would do well to show their talents more. Aside from that, this is a very well done album. The band is extremely talented, the songs are brilliantly written and crafted, and singer Neal Morse has smooth and clear voice. Some songs that stood out for me were "Freak Boy", the one and only straight ahead hard rock song on the album (but very short, at two-and-twelve), the closing track "I Will Go", a piano based power ballad that actually reminded me of the ballads Savatage do, with the same kind of playing, arrangements, and vocal harmonies; the spooky, sinister "I'm The Guy"; and the driving tune, "Devil's Got My Throat". This song has it all-power chords, keyboards, a strong rock beat, good singing, and a cool title! All the songs soar like eagles, and the playing is second to none! This is a prog rock fan's dream! I must confess, I wasn't familiar with Spock's Beard's music before I heard this, but now that I've had a taste, I can see why they've become so popular among prog rock fans. This album will doubtlessly be considered a masterpiece of the genre. As I mentioned, this will be a two-disc set when it hits the stores, so prog fans should be in for a real treat!

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