Flying Colors

If you're looking for a quality 'traditional rock' album then this is for you. A wealth of talent that work together rather than competing against each other, as can so often happen with so called 'super groups'. I've come to this the wrong way round having got 'Second Nature' first, however, I prefer this album the songs seem a little more upbeat to me, and although most of the songs are shorter than usual for most of the participants they are of the right length and compliment each other whilst being individual. If you haven't heard this band before it's worth taking a risk!

Yet another successful collaboration between Neal Morse and Mike Portnoy that has blossomed on great works such as Transatlantic's Bridge across forever and Neal's solo stuff including one and ?. Add in the considerable talents of Steve Morse, Dave Larue and Casey McPherson and you have a mega-talented bunch.The band had warned people that this album wouldn't be an out and out prog album - and it isn't. It certainly has prog elements, particularly in the closing 12-minute epic, Infinite Fire. But the album is more a blend of melodic rock (touches of AOR) and hints of prog. That may not sound appealing, but the album def works - and the songs speed by in a very appealing manner. A thoroughly enjoyable listening experience.My personal favourites include the excellent opener Blue ocean which has a very nice bass line and a good blend of vocals. Kayla touches on the AOR style I previously mentioned, yet is a catchy song with a strong vocal and is an album highlight - as is the next one The storm. There is some nice guitar work on Everything changes - we even get some cries of "yeah" from the band who seem to be enjoying themselves. Better than walking away has some lovely, understated guitar work.A fine album that I have given plenty of spins so far (currently fighting the latest efforts from Anathema and Storm Corrosion for control of my I-pod.)2012 has already seen some top notch releases and with new stuff due from Echolyn, Rush, Marillion, Panic Room, The Reasoning and especially Big Big Train, the year looks like going from strength to strength. Flying colors have already played their part with this fine album.

I've been an admirer of Mike Portnoy/Neal Morse collaborations such as Transatlantic and Neal Morse's solo albums for some time now. So when I heard about this new band featuring both of them, I knew that I had to buy it as soon as it was released. And I'm so glad I did. Though anyone expecting a prog album should be warned that (apart from the last track) it's doesn't really fit into that genre, this CD is certainly an excellent melodic rock/pop album. The standout things for me are Steve Morse's guitar solos and Casey McPherson's vocals. Portnoy's drumming is not as flamboyant as his other work, whilst Neal Morse's keyboards are in the background more often than not. As for standout tracks, it's difficult as I like them all - though as I'm not a fan of heavy metal there are a couple of songs that I'm not so keen on. The opener, Blue Ocean, is a bass-driven jazz/pop song with a catchy chorus. Love Is What I'm Waiting For could have been written for Queen and if Brian May had been invited to guest on the track it wouldn't have sounded much different. Better Than Walking Away is a lovely ballad with moving lyrics, whilst Fool In My Heart gives Mike Portnoy a chance to sing. Finally, the last track, a 12 minute piece called Infinite Fire, is where all the prog influences are let loose. I can detect Yes, Camel and Transatlantic in there,and the song comes complete with an instrumental middle section where the two Morses trade guitar and keyboard licks over a funky bass and drum backing.Quite probably the album of the year for me.

Not nearly as good as their next CD Second Nature which is great! In fact I'm a little disappoint in this having listen to Second Nature prior to buying this CD. If Id heard this first Im not sure I would have bought the far superior 2nd CD. Drumming is immense as you'd imagine, Id expect no less from Mike and all the musicians are very talented and I own virtually everything Mr Morse has ever performed but for me though this is a bit of a waste of great talent and electricity.

I just can't stop listening to this album. I think it is the best new production I've heard in years.Whenever I stop listening to it for a few days and it comes back in my mp3 player, it's always a great pleasure.Steve Morse is just brilliant and so is the rest of the cast. I believe Portnoy is really in his element too, combining his technical skills with some straight-forward drumming.At the beginning I couldn't stand the singer-too pop-ish, but now that I associate his voice with the project (and not with some type of Coldplay music), I think he is a good choice too.The music is great, the sound, the production...It's all very refreshing.

"Prog virtuosi in writing great songs shock!". The level of musicianship is as you would expect, but for once it takes a back burner to the quality of the songwriting. I guess you would call this "soft prog". in the style of Asia et al. Or you could simply call it excellent! May turn out that being ousted from Dream Theater was the best thing that could happen to Portnoy. It's a shame that the general masses will remain oblivious to this kind of stuff, because it is good enough to sell, (does any music do this these days?), bucketloads. Well done guys, you've got off to a Flying(colors) start!