Neal Morse is back with his latest solo album, a non-conceptual piece titled Lifeline. The music is progressive rock of high technical caliber with Neal's passionate voice as the emotional center.
Mike Portnoy still inhabits the drum kit with flair and inventiveness, Randy George returns on bass while Neal handles keyboard and guitar, a small step back from
Paul Gilbert who did the guitar solos on the previous album "Sola Scriptura" but more than adequate. Compared with "Sola Scriptura", Lifeline is a softer, less heavy affair. The softer musical approach fits the lyrical themes perfectly.
If you're put off by religious lyrics then you may find yourself challenged here as the less than subtle lyrics deal with Neal's beliefs in a straight forward way. They are openly shared and put into the context of his own life experience. It took some time to get used to this direct way of expression but looking beyond the religious element, the positive message running through the album about finding peace and contentment is a powerful and universal one. Though
God's Love borders on being too much, there is nothing on the album I find contrived and this is a testament to the sincere and heartfelt delivery of Neal and the band.
7 songs, 5 of normal and 2 of rather epic length make up the album. The 13 minute
Lifeline awakens the album with a sweet piano melody and from here the song evolves through merging themes and several spotlights for each instrument. The superb opener sets the tone for the rest of the album. The three guys are a tight knit group who play with focus on detail, rythm and most of all melody.
The massive 29 minute
Many Roads takes the listener on a journey through questions and a genuinely fulfilling conclusion. Both "epics" come full circle through captivating passages and memorable themes that surface throughout the pieces.
Less complicated and more laid back, songs like
The Way Home and
Children of the Chosen impress by their melodic and uplifting nature. In conjunction with the darker, very symphonic
Leviathan, complete with saxophone, they provide variety to the album.
Album closer
Fly High doesn't take long to soar. About 30 seconds in it reaches its first peak and it doesn't come back down for the next 6 minutes, ending the album on a completely satisfying note. Paul Bielatowicz also guests with an impressive guitar solo.
The exuberant music makes it easy to recommend Lifeline and though the lyrics can be a stumbling block for some, they shouldn't be. At its core Lifeline is a positive and life affirming experience, the tale of a man who saved himself.
Written by
Steen Tuesday, October 7, 2008
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