| Band
Members: |
Tim Morse: keyboards, vocals. |
Mark Dean: guitars, Drums, misc.
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Rich Zeller: vocals and bass |
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| Track
Listing: |
1.)- Present Moment
(6:16) |
8.)- Apocalyptic Visions
(16:14) |
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2.)- To Set Sail(7:12) |
9.)- Ascension (3:40) |
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3.)- Prelude (3:26) |
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4.)-Goodbye (5:26) |
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5.)- Shatter (8:58) |
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6.)- Temptation (8:00) |
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7.)- Adrift (4:30) |
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| The
Review |
Yes biographer Tim Morse has successfully made the transition
from writer to performer with his first solo recording squarely
in the progressive rock vein. According to the interview located
on the artist's website chance occurrences with the other
musicians snowballed into what is a competent independent
release. Compositionally, Morse's keyboard centric tracks
occupy a similar space to UK rather than Yes or ELP. Rock
and pop sensibilities are also blended into the songwriting
with valid comparisons to Kevin Gilbert and a few nods to
early Spock's Beard. Lush symphonic swells are matched up
against tasty guitar breaks (both acoustic and electric) and
drumming from multi-instrumentalist Mark Dean. Finding Dean
as co-collaborator has been a bit of blessing for Morse as
his controlled shredding works well within the context of
the pieces he helped arrange and perform. "Shatter" is probably
the most unique piece if only for the free section which opens
the track with slack time, sampled flutes and an ominous tone
leading into creepy Gregorian chant that really doesn't come
off. Dean's Spanish acoustic guitar 'Prelude" is a well fitting
introduction to the intense keyboard work out on "Goodbye"
where Morse's organ playing is very reminiscent of Keith Emerson's
style. "Adrift" also works as another acoustic guitar drive
song where the lead vocal carries a sensitive reading. Battlefield
sound effects open the big piece, "Apocalyptic Visions" that
quickly segues into an ambient guitar section before the main
organ and guitar phrase develops. Closing out the disc is
a calming synth wash piece that ends the recording on passive
ground. Since Morse has only done one promotional gig of his
recordings it is hoped he make a few more live attempts to
put across his project to allow his target audience to find
him.
Jeff Melton
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