Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10
Following on from the acclaimed album The Whirlwind, the four members of Transatlantic, Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy, Roine Stolt and Pete Trewavas, have once again got together to produce something that is so compelling, so like the Progressive Rock of old and yet new, exciting and in the case of two of the longer tracks, daring musical storytelling.
With the exception of Chicken Foot they don’t tend to make super groups of note anymore, but in Transatlantic and their new studio album The Whirlwind, the rock world can breathe a sigh of relief.
Drawing on the strengths of Neil Morse (ex Spocks Beard), Dream Theater’s drummer Mike Portnoy, Roine Stolt from the Flower Kings on guitars and Marillion’s bass player, Pete Trewavas, the band’s first album in eight years is an recording that screams excellence.
From the opening track of Overture/Whirlwind, music lovers are treated to 77 minutes of interesting musical arrangements, genuinely thoughtful lyrics and desire to please fans, old and new.
Originally published by L.S. Media. March 26th 2012.
L.S. Media Rating *****
It always comes as a bit of a surprise that musicians have any spare time to be anywhere outside of their own bubble. The group ethic of a band that has been around for years must surely take most of the hours of daylight afforded them and quite a few of the night hours too when they take in the multitude of gigs that they do.