Transatlantic are a genuine progressive rock supergroup, albeit a part-time one.
Comprising members of Spock’s Beard (Neal Morse) Dream Theatre (Mike Portnoy) Marillion (Pete Trewavas) and the Flower Kings (Roine Stolt), the band released its first album, SMPT:e in 2000.
In February 2014 Kaleidoscope, their fourth studio album, appeared. Another huge opus blending symphonic prog rock, metal, hard rock and 70s homage, it presented a meticulously constructed folio of songs covering four sides of vinyl.
The melodies are inviting and the playing exceptional. There are huge anthems (“Black as the sky”) and surging epics (the thirty-one minute title-suite). If it all sometimes seems to take itself a little too seriously, that may be attributed in part to the front-and-centre religiosity of Morse and Stolt. That’s where the exceptional rhythm section of Portnoy and Tewavas help massively. They generate such power and momentum that it can support even the most OTT theatrics. It’s prog with a capital P, and if you yearn for the days of ELP, Yes, or even later acolytes such as Marillion, you will surely love this. From overture to finale, it’s a blast.
In the lavish vinyl boxed set—which helpfully also includes a CD copy of the main work—there is the delight of a bonus disc of Transatlantic covers. Sneer ye not; despite being a little boastful, this is a joy and a delight. Yes, we can do Yes. And Focus. And the Moody Blues and ELO and King Crimson (a sterling take on Discipline’s “In discipline”). Are they 70s pretenders? Not at all, the band also do Small Faces and Procol Harum and throw in an unlikely cover of “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”. So there.
And indeed, there you have it: proof positive that prog is alive and well in the twenty-first century, sparkling in kaleidoscopic glory. Don your flares and come over. I’ll light some incense, pour some wine and plug in the lava lamp.
vinylconnection.com.au 
They’re the one prog band from this century I’ve really got into, although I’m sure there are others.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If you get the prog urge, Graham, the album ‘Born’ by Birth is worth checking out. As are Wobbler. Not that I’d claim to be up with the prog trends, but those are two I have enjoyed quite a lot.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, I do like Wobbler, they capture that 1970s Yes sound well. Big Big Train and Wizrd are others I enjoy too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Don’t know Wizrd; thanks for the lead. Beardfish are strong too, at the heavier end of the spectrum.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll let Yusef Lateef’s Psychicemotus wash over me tonight, after dinner.
Transatlantic might add energy to the completion of some household chores tomorrow.
Thanks
DD
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yusef has had a couple of albums with psyche- titles, hasn’t he? Is this a mellow one, DD?
LikeLiked by 1 person
The opening track is sparse (flute and drum) but. it then mellows out. with more instruments added as the album progresses
LikeLiked by 1 person
I recall, as a boy, my English grandparents explaining to me (not without relish) that Cor’ Blimey derived from the general expression of surprise, ‘God Blind me!’
Fortunately there is no credible evidence that the putative almighty granted the wish with any regularity.
LikeLike
Transatlantic Kaleidoscope was deferred as I was really tired last night. It helped motivate half an hour of stretches this morning. Can you say a bit grandiose? Will likely finish tonight or tomorrow on the mat.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Definite grandiosity in the mix, DD. For me that means I have to be in the mood for B I G. I’m sure big stretches would help.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Transatlantic are another prog rock band who are entirely new to me. Unfortunately, none of my two streaming providers currently offers the “Kaleidoscope” album, but I found it on YouTube. I guess you’ve finally worn me down, Bruce – based on sampling some of the tracks, not only can I tolerate the music, I actually kind of like it. Of course, I still had to include a qualifier! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That made me grin, big time, Christian. Welcome to the House of Prog, brother.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLike
What a band! I took an overnight road trip a couple years back to see Transatlantic play. As you might imagine, they were amazing live. The religiosity of Morse hit much less adamantly on stage, coming across more as joyful optimism and hope. Not surprised at the richness of the box set. Even in their bonus-free versions Transatlantic definitely offer one’s money’s worth.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is so true, Vic. They fill all the allotted space and then some.
I’m actually quite envious of that road-trip and the destination payoff. Such fine players.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will have to have a listen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Would love to hear your response, CB.
LikeLike
Ill let you know for sure (That’s if I survive the night with my mind in tacked)
Just listened to ‘Yessongs’ the other day. Was not disappointed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jon and the lads will keep your body and soul safe, CB.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A prog interpretation of “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” sounds intriguing! – Marty
LikeLiked by 1 person
Response? I’m really enjoying it. Onto the spin list it goes. It’s taking me for a musical ride. Did I doubt you? Not for a minute.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person