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TRANSATLANTIC : ‘THE ABSOLUTE UNIVERSE'  (Insideout Music, 2021)

TRANSATLANTIC, the supergroup formed by Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy, Roine Stolt and Pete Trewavas is back with "The Absolute Universe", the new album out on February 5th 2021 on Inside Out Music.The new album is the first studio release since "Kaleidoscope" (2014) and sees the band to test itself in an epic and unique undertaking by creating two different versions of the album: "The Absolute Universe: The Breath Of Life (Abridged Version)" and " The Absolute Universe: Forevermore (Extended Version) ".
Highly recommended band for fans of YES, GENESIS, ELP and PINK FLOYD!

Genre: Prog Rock

Rating: 8/10

Prog Masters TRANSATLANTIC are back with their  fifth album titled THE ABSOLUTE UNIVERSE and they don’t betray Prog lovers expectations in any way.
THE ABSOLUTE UNIVERSE is a classic concept album “…The storyline is about the struggles facing everyone in society today… talk about the craziness of 2020…”, one giant composition, split into chapters thematically and technically joined together into one long epic track. All the pieces flow effortlessly between the many sections. If it wasn't for the track numbers changing on the player, it’s hard to notice the transitions. What we found it’s a great musicianship, inspired songwriting, a perfect production and the right and familiar influences… are all there (YES, GENESIS,ELP… symphonic rock of the 70´s).
The band sounds fully like a band, they have perfect chemistry and there's not hint of any battle of egos; everything in between has a perfect blend of emotions, beautiful melodies, catchy choruses, excellent soloing and all instruments and vocals sound very balanced.
Talking about the track-list, there are some standout songs, my favourite are OWL HOWL, THE DARKNESS IN THE LIGHT, LOOKING FOR THE LIGHT, THE GREATEST STORY NEVER ENDS  and the captivating and full of pathos finale LOVE MADE A WAY…but , as any great concept album,  the highlight is the effect of the album when listened to in its entirety, from  the majestic overture opening to the soulful epic ending.
To be honest, there are two or three songs that are just a bit more predictable, let’s say less inspired…but this is quite common in this kind of ‘one-track albums’ and just like said before, all the tracks are functional and essential to the success of the ‘concept-album’ and they are, in NO way, detrimental to the whole.
I think it is superfluous to talk about the performances of the individual musicians, because we know perfectly well who they are, all their other projects and their qualities, and also in this case they did not disappoint us in any way, giving us a performance above all standards as always. 
Conclusions ... with this album TRANSALANTIC are not reinventing the wheel and they are not trying to change or shake the world of Prog Rock, they move perfectly in their comfort zone using all the essential ingredients to create a solid and well structured Symphonic Prog Rock composition that, of course, will stand the test of time and that every Prog lover should listen to with great attention because it's quite an enjoyable ride. If you already like the band this is a record that is absolutely worth having, if you have never liked TRANSATLANTIC, or Prog Rock in general, this is not the album that will make you change your mind.
In any case, welcome back Prog masters, you were really needed! 

 

TRACKLIST

1. Overture
2. Reaching For The Sky
3. Higher Than The Morning
4. The Darkness In The Light
5. Take Now My Soul
6. Looking For The Light
7. Love Made  A Way (Prelude)
8. Owl Howl
9. Solitude
10. Belong
11. Can You Feel It
12. Looking For The Light (Reprise)
13. The Greatest Story Never Ends
14. Love Made A Way

 

TRANSATLANTIC LINE_UP:

Neal Morse - keyboard, vocals, guitar
Mike Portnoy - drums, vocals
Roine Stolt - guitar, vocals
Pete Trewavas - bass guitar, vocals

 

WEB: https://www.facebook.com/TransatlanticMusic

        https://www.transatlanticweb.com/

 

ARTICLE BY: MIKE MATTY