Spock's
Beard
has decided a different approach with this album; I actually paid for this
month's ago to help fund the recording and now have the finished product in my
hands. Given the financial state of the world, a trend I think we will see more
and more, and why not, it is easier to control and all revenues go straight into
your own pocket. Now it's released on a regular basis in Europe thru Mascot
Theories Recordings.
After Neal
Morse left the band I have had the feeling that Spock's Beard has
struggled to find their own identity, something I feel they have finally managed
with this their tenth studio album, their best one since "Snow" (2002), which
also happened to the last one Neal was a part of. I have been listening to this
album constantly for the past three days, and this album has as much depth and
complexity as their earlier work.
"X" is a
progressive rock feast and reminds us of just how big an impact Spock's Beard
has had on the progressive rock scene. The core trademarks are still very much
present and their multi-facetted sound universe is ever expanding and I am sure
this album will bring back many Spock heads that have been lost along the road
because this is essential what Spock's Beard is all about.
A welcome
return to former strength from one of the most influential progressive rock bands.
