Kaleidoscope, fourth album by the supergroup Transatlantic, released in 2014, composed of five tracks, including two suites.
The album, which came after 5 years of (studio) silence, was announced as the follow-up to The Whirlwind: expectations could only be very high. Upon listening, it does not (to me) disappoint: a majestic, at times epic, sound impact, warm and soft sound, which maintains the complexity and strength of progressive.
Let's first recall the lineup of this monstrous band:
- Neal Morse, Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Keyboards, known for solo projects and numerous side projects including The Neal Morse Band and Spock's Beard but also the recent 2025 project Cosmic Cathedral to name a few…
- Roine Stolt, Guitar, Vocals, Percussion, known for solo works and numerous bands including The Flower Kings and The Tangent
- Pete Trewavas, Bass, Vocals, historic bassist of Marillion
- Mike Portnoy, Drums, Vocals, known for numerous projects including Dream Theater, The Neal Morse Band, Liquid Tension Experiment, Flying Colors.
The album features many prestigious guest musicians: Daniel Gildenlöw (Vocals), Chris Carmichael (Cello), Rich Mouser (Pedal Steel Guitar)
Almost 76 minutes traveling in a parallel world aboard the fantastic Transatlantic.
Masterful execution of the tracks with the extremely high-level technique of the individual members, but without ever being self-referential or engaging in pure exercises in style.
The influence of 70s progressive rock is definitely felt (a merit in my opinion) but it never feels obsolete or nostalgic; on the contrary, the careful and modern production enhances it.
Some notes on some tracks
- Into the Blue opens the album, a 25-minute suite that never gets tiring throughout its duration, never loses its thread or momentum.
- Shine is the least progressive track on the album, a simple and very beautiful song, with a solo by Stolt among the best on the entire album.
- With Beyond the Sun it's Neal Morse's moment who, with the help of Rich Mouser and his Pedal Steel Guitar, takes us "beyond the sun" with beautiful atmospheres.
- The title track is beautiful, but only for true Prog fans: with its over 30 minutes (split over two sides of the second disc) it's great to listen to "at full blast" on headphones if possible.
Beautiful and highly recommended.
Tracklist
1. Into the Blue (25:13) :
- Overture
- The Dreamer and the Healer
- A New Begining
- Written in Your Heart
- The Dreamer and the Healer (reprise)
2. Shine (7:28)
3. Black as the Sky (6:45)
4. Beyond the Sun (4:31)
5. Kaleidoscope (31:53) :
- Overture
- Ride the Lightning
- Black Gold
- Walking the Road
- Desolation Days
- Lemon Looking Glass
- Ride the Lightning (reprise)
Duration 75:50
LineUp
- Neal Morse - vocals, keyboards, acoustic guitars
- Roine Stolt - electric guitars, percussion, vocals
- Pete Trewavas - bass, vocals
- Mike Portnoy - drums, vocals
With:
- Daniel Gildenlöw - vocals (1)
- Rich Mouser - pedal steel guitar (4)
- Chris Carmichael - cello
Note: All links to the musicians' works are in the TAGS under the article title or on the "Artists" page
