Flying Colors - Flying Colors Review

Flying Colors was seeded by a discussion of collaboration between Neal Morse and Steve Morse back in 2010, and has grown into a supergroup including members of the Dixie Dregs; Steve Morse, and Dave LaRue, as well as Neal Morse (Transatlantic as well as a solo musician), Casey McPherson (from Alpha Rev) and Mike Portnoy. According to the band, the entire album was recorded in nine days in early 2011. They obviously have the right type of chemistry for a supergroup as the album is really good – especially for a first effort. I hope they continue on with more releases. I enjoy hearing a prog rock album that doesn't sound like an overcomplicated mess.

The highlights of the album is the very expressive guitar work by Steve Morse, the genius arrangement and composition, the emotive delivery by McPherson and, of course, the percussion provided by Mike Portnoy. Going into this album I really wasn't prepared to be as impressed with this album as I am. This album will be going on heavy rotation on my mp3 player and I'm going to be crossing my fingers in the meantime that they continue to collaborate with each other for more albums to come. Great stuff....full text Aside from the title of Jethro Tull's song, Flying Colors is a brand new super group formed by such progressive rock legends as Mike Portnoy (drums, vocals), Neal Morse (keyboards, vocals), Steve Morse (guitar) and Dave LaRue (bass) who unexpectedly team up with Casey McPherson, a fairly unknown pop singer with an admirably wide vocal range. This line-up has been intriguing from the get-go, which has only aroused sky high expectations for their self-titled album. Fans of labyrinthine progressive techniques of songwriting may be sorely disappointed since the band opts for straightforward, alternative-inclined songs most of the time. Flying Colors, in fact, is a varied album that revolves around the multitude of references including various nods to traditional progressive rock, accessible hard rock or even melodic pop.

With a yawning gap in quality between its highs and lows, Flying Colors might be regarded as an album of lost potential which seems tepid and half-baked, especially when compared to the best work of musicians involved....full text Given all the overwhelming technical prowess in the band, one might be surprised to find out that Flying Colors secret weapon is the voice of McPherson. A voice which is incredibly diverse and emotive, and becomes the glue binding all these sonic soaring colors onto one canvas.

Heading into this project, the guys collectively wanted to break new ground for each of them, and to a man you could argue they have accomplished that goal on this record. Let it be stated up front though that this is not a “love-at-first-listen” album. One must listen repeatedly to fully appreciate the impact of the texturing and the nuances, instrumentally and vocally. By the third or fourth go round you’ll find yourself falling in love with this record....full text For facts’ sake, it was around this time that Portnoy and DT parted ways. But the prog-metal powerhouse and the hard rock fret flyer made for an impressive, if slightly unusual, pairing. The Flying Colors band started to stretch its wings with the addition of Neal Morse, the keyboard player from the spectactularly nerdy-named Spock’s Beard; bass player Dave LaRue; and lead vocalist Casey McPherson. In nine intensive days at the beginning of last year the album Flying Colors was finally recorded.

Still, over the 11 tracks there is bound to be a smattering of songs to make you glad you checked the album out. Now if you don’t mind I’m going back to stroking my hair and trimming my beard....full text