Released by InsideOut Music on February 5th, 2021
Quick Background
Transatlantic is the Prog Supergroup of vocalist/keyboardist Neal Morse (ex-Spock's Beard), guitarist Roine Stolt (The Flower Kings) , bassist Pete Trewavas (Marillion) and drummer Mike Portnoy (ex-Dream Theater). They formed in 1999 and released its debut album, SMPT:e, the following year. Sophomore effort Bridge Across Forever followed in 2001, but they disbanded in 2002. Transatlantic then reunited in 2009 and released the third album The Whirlwind. The forth album, Kaleidoscope, was released in 2014.
The Absolute Universe: Forevermore (Extended Version)
The Absolute Universe was created in two versions. The Absolute Universe: The Breath Of Life (Abridged Version) and The Absolute Universe: Forevermore (Extended Version). As Portnoy explains: "You must appreciate that what we have done is unique. We revamped the songs to make the two versions different." Therefore, the Abridged Version is NOT merely an edited version of the double CD, The Absolute Universe: Forevermore (Extended Version). Today I am reviewing the Extended Version which features 18 songs in 90 minutes. The longest song, "The World We Used to Know", is "only" 9-min long. However, as it's a concept album, in fact it is just one giant song split into chapters. Actually some musical themes come back at some moments on the album and there are even songs labeled 'Reprise' and 'Prelude'. The storyline is about the struggles facing everyone in society today.
Musically, you know what to expect here, high quality prog rock delivered flawlessly by a group of very seasoned prog nerds. On the good sense of the word. This is not metal and you won't find guitar shredding or anything like Portnoy's era with Dream Theater. It's more like a modern sounding version of classic 70's prog rock. After the overextended intro "Overture", "Heart Like a Whirlwind" and "Higher Than the Morning" clearly exemplify the best the album has to offer. Focus on melody and catchy vocal lines. Most of them sang very beautifully and with emotion. The guitar solos are all also very melodic and emotional, the notes are tastefully enjoyed at each phrase. The sequence of shorter songs "Swing High, Swing Low/Bully/Rainbow Sky/Looking for the Light" works very nicely and reminds me a lot of Beatles' Abbey Road Side B. CD 1 closes with one of the best songs on the album the 9-min musical journey "The World We Used to Know", featuring a very cool drum and bass intro.
By now we've been through 48 min of good music. And yet CD 2 brings 9 songs more in 44 minutes. "The Sun Comes Up Today" kicks things off with a groovy upbeat tempo, but the vocals don't sound very good. Still not a bad start. The song has a call back to "Higher Than the Morning" which is a nice way to link the two CDs from the start of the second part. "Owl Howl" is a darker song that brings some needed heaviness to the album. In contrast "Solitude" is a mellow and sad song reminding a lot of Steve Wilson, specially due to the singing. The last 24 minutes of the album are not successfuly keeping my attention all the time. "Belong" don't add much to what we already heard in the first 68 minutes of the album and the closer "Love Made a Way" drags us into still 8 more minutes when I personally have had enough. Some highlights from CD 2: The acoustic "Lonesome Rebel". Moreover, I must say that I love the bass sound and basslines throughout the album but specially on "Looking for the Light (Reprise)" like in other moments on the album, this song is a very Yes influenced and another heavier moment. This song blends into "The Greatest Story Never Ends" which would be a perfect ending for the album.
Overall very nice production. Clear, well mixed and dynamic. All musicians, not surprisingly, deliver strong performances. It's no early Dream Theater and a miss a bit of shredding here and there, but very well executed album overall.
The Picky Guy
A disclaimer here, I am not a huge fan of Neal Morse's music post Spock's Beard. There are albums and moments I like of course, but certainly not an expert. On the flip side, I remember enjoying Transatlantic last album quite a lot. But all these albums and bands Morse and Portnoy put together start to blend in for me. That's me anyways. And this two versions confusion is so bizarre and pretentious. Life is too short for that...so I stay with just one version. It's cool if you are a diehard fan and want to consume it all, no problem with that whatsoever, it's just not for me.
Wrap Up Opinion
Apart from the unusual and unnecessary two album version, there are no surprises here. If you are into Transatlantic or any other Portnoy/Morse projects you know what to expect and will probably love it. If you are not, this is a lot to take in and should be approached with carefulness by casual listeners. Despite all my criticism and some frustration I am giving it 81/100 a solid good album rating. I am curious if it will stand the test of time and if I will actually get back to it often. Time will tell.
SCORE: 81/100
Genre: Progressive Rock
Released by InsideOut Music on February 5th, 2021
Rating System
99 - 100 Perfect
94 - 98 Excellent
87 - 93 Great
82 - 86 Very Good
77 - 81 Good
66 - 76 Mixed
58 - 65 Bad
wordcount = 873
94 - 98 Excellent
87 - 93 Great
82 - 86 Very Good
77 - 81 Good
66 - 76 Mixed
58 - 65 Bad
wordcount = 873
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