Spock's Beard

Spock's Beard, a mainstay of the '90s progressive rock revival, was written off by many after leader Neal Morse left to pursue a solo career. Following the Genesis model, drummer Nick D'Virgilio took to the microphone, and with the assistance of longtime band friend John Boegehold, the group carried on as a four-piece. But these are by no means wayward sons.

Octane, the Beard's second post-Neal Morse release, sounds nothing like a group recovering from a personnel change. From the album's opening Mellotron intro through the closing riffs of "As Long As We Ride," Octane is an exciting trip that is at times classic Spock's Beard, and at other times sees the group taking roads not previously traveled.

The vehicle for this loosely conceptual album is an Acura, hit by a flatbed truck in the first track. Octane's diverse songs explore the thoughts of the driver as he reflects on his past and possible future while his car spins wildly out of control.

On some tracks, Octane contains the classical orchestration, melodic hooks, and powerful prog grooves that will please the band's longtime fans. D'Virgilio's vocals sound confident and strong, and keyboardist Ryo Okumoto fills the space he used to share with Neal Morse chockfull of wonderfully nostalgic organ and Mellotron.

The remaining cuts provide for a fun game of "name that influence," where the group seems to tip their hat to The Eagles (track 2), Enchant (track 4), Tommy Shaw/Styx (track 9), Jethro Tull and Savatage (track 10), Extreme (11), and (buckle up for this one) Extreme plays Foghat (track 12). The snootiest of proggies might take offense at the commercial influences on Octane, but Spock's Beard has always leaned toward the accessible.

Prog fans should also know about The Tsunami Project, a benefit CD featuring tracks from current Spock's Beard members, Neal Morse, and other notable progressive musicians. - Chris Allen

Spock's Beard return to the music stores with their first record since Light in June 2004. The first seven tracks of this album comprise a conceptual suite entitled "A Flash Before My Eyes," based on a story by John Boegehold. It's about the experiences of a man in the process of experiencing a car wreck as it happens and watching his life flash before him as it passes out of him. He recalls everything from his parents' separation on Christmas, high-school football games and meeting his wife and creating a life with her. It all ends at the end of the flash. The overture, "Prelude to the Past," is all big prog symphonic rock Former frontman and guitarist Neal Morse's gigantic presence is still missed, but the ambition here is sweeping. Nonetheless, drummer and frontman Nick D'Virgilio is putting forth the effort and he has a compelling presence as a singer, but his lyrics aren't yet there, they still tell more than show. The contrast between Boegehold's narrative passages and the song lyrics that illustrate them is harsh. The music, while more "accessible" than in the past and harder in its rock-ist intentions, still has plenty of flair and verve, though one does miss the wonderfully labyrinthine passages and surprises of yore. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide