And then after all
With our backs against the wall
We see the temple of the living God
And outside the gate the cripples sit and wait
To see the temple of the living God
To see the temple of the living God
Neal Morse's third solo release ? is jaw-droppingly good; a mind-blowing 56-plus-minute pure, powerful, progressive rock roller coaster ride that touches thematically on the great mystery of God (hence the title ?), and the yearning of the human heart to be known, loved, and accepted.
? is a work of art that the listener needs to absorb and process. It is broken up into twelve tracks, but ? works best as a whole. Morse builds to a dramatic crescendo several times during the CD, and to experience the full effect of the dizzying highs and gentle lows you need to listen to the entire project. I checked out the CD twice this week on a two hour round trip and alternately was reduced to tears, experienced chills running down my spine, and popped goosebumps (there and back again!) as I "got" the vivid & creative message that Morse portrays on ?.
Joining Morse on this CD with an amazing turn on drums is the inimitable Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater), and rounding out the rhythm section with booming and scintillating thunder is the nimble-fingered Randy George (Ajalon) on bass. Both of these excellent musicians add depth and color to the broad musical picture painted by Morse on ?. And ? features some stellar guests on fascinating instrumental performances--including Steve Hackett (Genesis), Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater), Roine Stolt (The Flower Kings), Morse's brother Al on guitar, and Mark Leniger with his mighty saxophone. Just who plays what and where they play it is a mystery, however (in keeping with the ? theme!). Morse promises the answer to those questions is "hidden in the art work!" Listeners take note: the blistering instrumentals on "Into the Fire" are simply stunning, and they mesh perfectly with this song's theme of fiery sacrifice. I felt like I needed to run for cover while listening to this song!
Musically, comparisons to Dream Theater, King's X, Genesis, The Beatles, Utopia, and (of course) Spock's Beard, and Transatlantic can be heard. This is not entirely fair though, because Morse has succeeded in creating a style that is uniquely his while managing to evolve and progress on his latest project. ? is one of the hardest/heaviest rocking epics Morse has ever written, but it also has some breathtaking poignant slower moments as well. And I would be hard pressed to name an album that features as many powerful highs, epic swells, and gentle lulls as ?.
Lyrically ? is a theatrical story about the Tabernacle (the portable place of worship in the wilderness). Morse captures in stunning detail the celebration that takes place as God's people pierce the veil to the Ultimate Reality. As I listened to "The Temple of the Living God" I found myself transported to that place in the wilderness as God's people rejoice with unbridled enthusiasm. The sights and sounds of the Tent of Meeting pass before your mind's eye as you listen. Morse brings the story to a personal level as those who are "Outside Looking In" search for an "Entrance." I don't want to spoil the storyline for you, but suffice it to say Morse manages to bring to vivid life the Old Testament place of worship, while touching on the longings of the human heart, and tying all of this in to New Testament themes of our great High Priest. And he manages to do so without sounding preachy or trite. I'd love to quote a bunch of the lyrics, but that would kinda' spoil the treasure the listener finds in ?.
This one is a must have folks, and Neal Morse fans (whether Christian or not) will love it. ? features a message of celebration, acceptance, and reconciliation that resonates deeply, managing to touch mind, soul, and the heart. Man, between the phenomenal ?, and new releases by Glass Hammer, Ajalon, Salem Hill (coming in November!), and the Christian Prog project CPR 2 2005 is shaping up to be a banner year for progressive rock fans young and old!
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2005Reviewed by Jon RiceChristian Progressive (Cprog) artist, Neal Morse exposed his soul and Christ-journey with the 2003 release of Testimony put man's struggle to rejoin with God in the 2004 release of One, and has once again outdone himself with his latest release, ?. ? is a progressive rock masterwork that is fixed hard in both prose and musical content. What ceases to amaze me is Morse's ability to present…
