FLYING COLORS: "Flying Colors"

Rating: 9/10

Label: Music Theories Recordings 2012

Review by Martien Koolen

A new supergroup has arisen; Flying Colors consists of Neal Morse (keyboards, vocals), Mike Portnoy (drums, vocals), Dave LaRue (bass guitar), Steve Morse (guitar) and Casey McPherson (vocals) and together these guys have made an amazing
debut album.

Right from the start these super musicians grab you by the balls and they do not let go till the last note is played. Opener Blue Ocean is a very catchy, wonderful song with an outstanding guitar solo from ex-Dixie Dregs and now Deep Purple member Steve Morse. Followed by the roaring rocker Shoulda Coulda Woulda, these two songs form a perfect opening for this spectacular album. Kayla, one of my favs, is rather complex, filled with beautiful harmonies and the almost bittersweet yet powerful vocals of Casey McPherson, who you might know from the bands Alpha Rev and Endochine. Also notice the breathaking guitar solo in that song which is split in two by some astonishing vocal passages.

The heaviest song on the album is without any doubt All Falls Down, where Steve and Mike really get it on; keep on headbanging, guys! Another surprise on this album is Mike doing the lead vocals on Fool In My Heart, but we already know from the last Transatlantic album - listen to Salty Dog - that Mike can actually sing rather well. Better Than Walking Away is the second ballad on the album and again Steve and Casey steal the show in that one.

Finally we are treated to an epic prog rock song, clocking in at precisely 12 minutes, called Infinite Fire. This song wraps up the album perfectly; as it is complex, diverse and reminds me of prog icons Yes and Genesis. An almost perfect song for an almost perfect album. The production of this masterpiece was done by Peter Collins (Rush, Queensryche) and he did a more than remarkable job. Flying Colors is a must for prog rockers and it will not leave my cd player for a long time to come. Let's hope that these guys will also be going on tour with this outstanding debut album.

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