Post by Porscheguy on Jan 18, 2015 14:15:36 GMT -5
Their second album... as always samples on iTunes...
I couldn't say it any better myself...
Great Colors
By JSwank on October 3, 2014
Format: Audio CD
Collaboration releases can sometimes become overindulgent muscle flexing sessions. It's a rare thing when truly memorable music is created, when each individual member of the group contributes equally, when each member brings in their own influences and seamlessly melds them with those of the other players. Such was exactly the case with Flying Colors - comprised of Steve Morse, Neal Morse, Dave LaRue (Dixie Dregs), Mike Portnoy and sensational (and less well known) singer Casey McPherson - with their 2012 self-titled debut produced by Peter Collins. Given the quality and success of the debut,it should be no surprise that the follow up studio release (self-produced this time around)from this talented five-some is fantastic as well. And while comparisons to Transatlantic are inevitable they may be a bit unfair. With the exception of the opening track "Open Up Your Eyes" - which does resemble the longer songs that the other Neal Morse/Mike Portnoy super group tends to compose - the rest of the album is refreshingly diverse. Casey McPherson's laid back vocals are juxtaposed nicely to Neal Morse's polished prog - a perfect blend. As expected, these songs are well crafted and uplifting, and the instrumental passages never overpower the lyrics or the melodies which drive these tunes. While these guys keep it pretty original "Bombs Away" and even "A Place In Your World" have a bit of a Kansas vibe, and surprisingly the upbeat "Mask Machine" nods a bit to Muse. The debut release was plenty soulful but that element is taken to new heights here with the ethereal "Peaceful Harbor" and the epic 3 part "Cosmic Symphony." Portnoy again prooves that playing with some laid back restraint takes nothing away from the passion and intensity of the music. Overall, this is just another great collection of songs that have the potential to reach a broader spectrum of listeners than just those of traditional progressive rock.
Flying Colors deliver an epic masterpiece
By RockOn on September 30, 2014
Format: Audio CD
Flying Colors Second Nature soars! There has been high anticipation for this album to be released. The anticipation could be compared to an Epic movie that did well at the box office and has announced a sequel. Everyone in the media ponders and critics argue that it could never be better than the first, while others say it will be better. I say enough of this nonsense. Both Flying Colors albums are fantastic and this one, Second Nature, will be my pick of the year. Although the year has not ended, this album delivers. From some of the articles, there was high concern that two of the songs went in the direction of what many label music as PROG. PROG is shot for progressive. I must say that I was concerned a bit, but after hearing the entire body of work, the band has pulled off another Epic. This is not a sequel to a movie but another piece of work, and it deliverers. As one would expect from 5 masters of their instruments and voice, the playing and singing is superb. I have worn out the CD that I have had for a week now, and every song, like on the first Flying Colors CD is wonderful. However, I must admit, that while I enjoy every song on the CD, two of them stand out for me. "Peaceful Harbor" and "Cosmic Symphony" deliver pure musical bliss. Peaceful harbor is a balled like song that transcends into a choir like symphony of rhythmic progressions similar to waves rolling in to shore again and again. Music has the ability to lift ones spirits and this piece certainly does the job and delivers a performance that soars above any song out there currently today. The album concludes with Cosmic Symphony. This is a unique song because it is not like a traditional PROG song that sways back and forth with melodies. It is more like reading a book with three chapters. Each chapter has a name: The first chapter "Still life of the world" sets the stage with a creepy and eerie type of beginning with strange guitar riffs and Casey's awesome and powerful vocals. There is a small section of this song; albeit eerie, that includes a beautiful bass solo by Dave LaRue. "Still Life" builds into "Searching for the air" and the transition flows into a new chapter. This part of the song is completely different that the first section. It is connected by some thunderclaps in the background and goes from this strange yet cosmic sound into a smooth 70s sound that is vast and wide. Searching for the Air then flows into a nice guitar solo before flowing into "Pound for Pound". Two things happen at this point of the CD. The first is that the CD is coming to a conclusion and we have just been blown away by some fantastic playing and just as one is thinking, it is almost to the end? Then Steve Morse's weeping blues guitar starts to echo with Casey singing a blues type striped down calling or yearning vocal melody. I was just lost in my mind and forgot this was the last song. Pound for Pound sums up the album nicely and concludes what I would call the ROCK ALBUM OF THE YEAR
1.Open Up Your Eyes
2. Mask Machine
3. Bombs Away
4. The Fury of My Love
5. A Place in Your World
6. Lost Without You
7. One Love Forever
8. Peaceful Harbor
9. Cosmic Symphony
I. "Still Life of the World"
II. "Searching for the Air"
III. "Pound for Pound"
I will conclude with my only criticism of Flying Colors. This is a side project for all five members and I just do not understand why it does not become more. When these guys get together Magic is created. It is universal and cosmic at the same time and much more that I can describe. I certainly hope each of these guys realizes what they have created and move Flying Colors to full time. I hope we get to hear, at least, another 10 new CDs of fresh music from this super group. And I will conclude that most super groups are names of people that get together and have a go at it. Not with Flying Colors, the creation process or whatever they use, creates stimulating music that does more than works...it is pure musical bliss. At $10 to $15 at most record or online locations, this is a steal for this CD of fine music. I highly recommend this CD and this is an album that should not be missed. Neal's piano playing is at his top performance. Mike Portnoy pounds the drums and makes a joyful noise as he always does. Steve, Dave, and Casey are all phenomenal. As a matter of fact, Casey's vocals tie this band together nicely. He is the bow on the package. I remember a movie from years ago "Eddie and the Cruisers" where the lead actor, a singer in a band, was trying to write this epic rock song and sound. Eddie kept trying and trying and trying.....well my friends.....here it is! Flying Colors Second Nature is an EPIC MASTERPIECE! MAD
www.amazon.com/Second-Nature-Flying-Colors/dp/B00M4QNOW4/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1421608196&sr=1-1&keywords=flying+colors+second+nature&pebp=1421608199550&peasin=B00M4QNOW4
I couldn't say it any better myself...
Great Colors
By JSwank on October 3, 2014
Format: Audio CD
Collaboration releases can sometimes become overindulgent muscle flexing sessions. It's a rare thing when truly memorable music is created, when each individual member of the group contributes equally, when each member brings in their own influences and seamlessly melds them with those of the other players. Such was exactly the case with Flying Colors - comprised of Steve Morse, Neal Morse, Dave LaRue (Dixie Dregs), Mike Portnoy and sensational (and less well known) singer Casey McPherson - with their 2012 self-titled debut produced by Peter Collins. Given the quality and success of the debut,it should be no surprise that the follow up studio release (self-produced this time around)from this talented five-some is fantastic as well. And while comparisons to Transatlantic are inevitable they may be a bit unfair. With the exception of the opening track "Open Up Your Eyes" - which does resemble the longer songs that the other Neal Morse/Mike Portnoy super group tends to compose - the rest of the album is refreshingly diverse. Casey McPherson's laid back vocals are juxtaposed nicely to Neal Morse's polished prog - a perfect blend. As expected, these songs are well crafted and uplifting, and the instrumental passages never overpower the lyrics or the melodies which drive these tunes. While these guys keep it pretty original "Bombs Away" and even "A Place In Your World" have a bit of a Kansas vibe, and surprisingly the upbeat "Mask Machine" nods a bit to Muse. The debut release was plenty soulful but that element is taken to new heights here with the ethereal "Peaceful Harbor" and the epic 3 part "Cosmic Symphony." Portnoy again prooves that playing with some laid back restraint takes nothing away from the passion and intensity of the music. Overall, this is just another great collection of songs that have the potential to reach a broader spectrum of listeners than just those of traditional progressive rock.
Flying Colors deliver an epic masterpiece
By RockOn on September 30, 2014
Format: Audio CD
Flying Colors Second Nature soars! There has been high anticipation for this album to be released. The anticipation could be compared to an Epic movie that did well at the box office and has announced a sequel. Everyone in the media ponders and critics argue that it could never be better than the first, while others say it will be better. I say enough of this nonsense. Both Flying Colors albums are fantastic and this one, Second Nature, will be my pick of the year. Although the year has not ended, this album delivers. From some of the articles, there was high concern that two of the songs went in the direction of what many label music as PROG. PROG is shot for progressive. I must say that I was concerned a bit, but after hearing the entire body of work, the band has pulled off another Epic. This is not a sequel to a movie but another piece of work, and it deliverers. As one would expect from 5 masters of their instruments and voice, the playing and singing is superb. I have worn out the CD that I have had for a week now, and every song, like on the first Flying Colors CD is wonderful. However, I must admit, that while I enjoy every song on the CD, two of them stand out for me. "Peaceful Harbor" and "Cosmic Symphony" deliver pure musical bliss. Peaceful harbor is a balled like song that transcends into a choir like symphony of rhythmic progressions similar to waves rolling in to shore again and again. Music has the ability to lift ones spirits and this piece certainly does the job and delivers a performance that soars above any song out there currently today. The album concludes with Cosmic Symphony. This is a unique song because it is not like a traditional PROG song that sways back and forth with melodies. It is more like reading a book with three chapters. Each chapter has a name: The first chapter "Still life of the world" sets the stage with a creepy and eerie type of beginning with strange guitar riffs and Casey's awesome and powerful vocals. There is a small section of this song; albeit eerie, that includes a beautiful bass solo by Dave LaRue. "Still Life" builds into "Searching for the air" and the transition flows into a new chapter. This part of the song is completely different that the first section. It is connected by some thunderclaps in the background and goes from this strange yet cosmic sound into a smooth 70s sound that is vast and wide. Searching for the Air then flows into a nice guitar solo before flowing into "Pound for Pound". Two things happen at this point of the CD. The first is that the CD is coming to a conclusion and we have just been blown away by some fantastic playing and just as one is thinking, it is almost to the end? Then Steve Morse's weeping blues guitar starts to echo with Casey singing a blues type striped down calling or yearning vocal melody. I was just lost in my mind and forgot this was the last song. Pound for Pound sums up the album nicely and concludes what I would call the ROCK ALBUM OF THE YEAR
1.Open Up Your Eyes
2. Mask Machine
3. Bombs Away
4. The Fury of My Love
5. A Place in Your World
6. Lost Without You
7. One Love Forever
8. Peaceful Harbor
9. Cosmic Symphony
I. "Still Life of the World"
II. "Searching for the Air"
III. "Pound for Pound"
I will conclude with my only criticism of Flying Colors. This is a side project for all five members and I just do not understand why it does not become more. When these guys get together Magic is created. It is universal and cosmic at the same time and much more that I can describe. I certainly hope each of these guys realizes what they have created and move Flying Colors to full time. I hope we get to hear, at least, another 10 new CDs of fresh music from this super group. And I will conclude that most super groups are names of people that get together and have a go at it. Not with Flying Colors, the creation process or whatever they use, creates stimulating music that does more than works...it is pure musical bliss. At $10 to $15 at most record or online locations, this is a steal for this CD of fine music. I highly recommend this CD and this is an album that should not be missed. Neal's piano playing is at his top performance. Mike Portnoy pounds the drums and makes a joyful noise as he always does. Steve, Dave, and Casey are all phenomenal. As a matter of fact, Casey's vocals tie this band together nicely. He is the bow on the package. I remember a movie from years ago "Eddie and the Cruisers" where the lead actor, a singer in a band, was trying to write this epic rock song and sound. Eddie kept trying and trying and trying.....well my friends.....here it is! Flying Colors Second Nature is an EPIC MASTERPIECE! MAD
www.amazon.com/Second-Nature-Flying-Colors/dp/B00M4QNOW4/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1421608196&sr=1-1&keywords=flying+colors+second+nature&pebp=1421608199550&peasin=B00M4QNOW4
