Spock's Beard, aka The Beard, has always been one of the best prog rock bands in the USA; beginning with their amazing debut album The Light (1995), they started a wonderful musical career. Further highlights in their record catalogue are of course V (2000), the superb concept album Snow (2002) - all with Neal Morse- and Octane (2005) and Noise Floor (2018, see review). The Archaeoptimist, what a title, is the Beard's 14th studio album and after at least twenty spins I can say that this is again a 100% pure Spock's Beard masterpiece. It is indeed a true heir of the legacy of notorious progressive rock bands like Yes, Gentle Giant, Pink Floyd, and the old Genesis. Spock's Beard line up anno 2025 has also changed as the LA-based Nick Potters is the new drummer of the band, while Ted Leonard (vocals, guitar), Alan Morse (guitar, vocals), Dave Meros (bass guitar, vocals) and of course Ryo Okumoto (keyboards and vocals) are the rest of the fold. The new Beard album opens with the single of the album called Invisible, featuring that distinctive voice of Leonard, beautiful guitar by Morse and a 100% pure Beard characteristic, namely the wonderful a cappella and vocal harmony intro; pure magic indeed. Afourthoughts is another highlight, and this song is in fact the fourth instalment of the Thought series that was started by Neal Morse in 1996 on Spock's Beard second studio album Beware Of Darkness. Afourthoughts is a prog rock beauty indeed, highlighting that amazing vocal performances and harmonies which are indeed second to none. St. Jerome In The Wilderness, a wonderful mini epic, and reminds me of older Beard stuff, especially material from the album The Kindness Of Strangers, which was released way back in 1998! Next up is the title track and it is another milestone epic Beard beauty, clocking in over twenty minutes, it is a remarkably diverse symphonic rollercoaster, featuring the majestic voice of Leonard, goosebumps guitar solos by Morse and amazing tempo and mood changes. The Archaeoptimist sometimes reminds me of outstanding bands like Toto and Kansas, and I cannot get enough of this Beard masterpiece which comes close to other Beard milestone epics like Time Has Come, Flow, The Great Nothing and From The Darkness. Spock's Beard new album ends with Next Step and here you have to check out the beautiful piano-fuge intro by Okumoto and the best guitar solo of the entire album; soaring and wonderful indeed. Conclusion: The Archaeoptimist is a new Beard highlight in their long musical career for sure; again, a must have album for your prog rock collection; so, buy or die! Listening tip: Next Step! ****+ Martien Koolen (edited by Dave Smith) Where to buy? |
