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InsideOut Music [Release date 10.11.23]
‘Sophomore’ is the aptly named second album release from the trio comprising three of the biggest names in prog rock, Neal Morse, Nick D’Virgilio and Ross Jennings. Their first album ‘Troika’, which was released in in Feb 2022, has been on regular rotation in my car since it’s release and still stands as a musical masterclass with harmonies and melodies so uplifting, they should be available on prescription as a real pick-me-up.
‘Sophomore’, then, has a lot to live up to and it only take a listen of the opening track ‘Hard To Be Easy’ to confirm that the same winning formula is present and correct. The joy of this trio is how well their vocal harmonies work together, they make it sound effortless and joyful which puts a smile on your face even on a cold, grey day.
‘Linger At The Edge Of My Memory’ is a slow builder with great guitar work from Ross Jennings and those distinctive, multi-layer vocals on the chorus. A couple of song’s were released from the album prior to the full album release date, and one of those was ‘Tiny Little Fires’. An up-tempo number with a catchy, underlying riff that will have you dancing along.
We then head into a country music vibe with ‘Right Where You Should Be’ with some atmospheric pedal steel guitar playing throughout. The pace slows then for ‘The Weary One’ which is a heartfelt song about loneliness and a cry for help, a position that is all too prevalent in today’s society. Beautifully paced and featuring a fragile vocal from Morse, this is a real highlight of the album.
‘Mama’ then brings things back to a more rocking pace with a great, dirty blues riff and an interesting breakdown on the chorus. You can really hear the collectives’ prog leanings in this one. The sunny good times then return with ‘I’m Not Afraid’ which bounces along on a jaunty guitar line with, again, melodies and harmonies that most bands can only dream of producing.
The pace then drops again for ‘Weighs Me Down’ which is a lament to lost love and heartache. A simple song which is elevated again with those harmonies and fantastic song craft, these guys know who to write and construct a track!
We then get a bit of Latino influence on ‘Walking On Water’ which hints at Santana in parts complete, with D’Virgilio on bongos and an excellent mid song guitar solo from Jennings. We are then treated to the other pre album released track, ‘Anywhere The Wind Blows’. This track should be listened to whilst driving the Pacific Highway, top down, in a convertible Ford Mustang. Uplifting, big and bold with a sunny disposition, this track perfectly encapsulates what D’Virgilio, Morse and Jennings are all about.
The album rounds off with alternative takes on ‘Right Where You Should Be’ and ‘The Weary One’ which are interesting to hear. They did the same on Troika with the song ‘Julia’ and I actually preferred the alternative to the finished article!
With the weight of talent and years of experience within this trio, suffering from that difficult second album syndrome was never really going to be an issue. The fact that they have again produced such an uplifting and perfectly formed collection of songs is testament to their ear for melody and harmony and their sublime song writing talents. This one is destined to be on repeat in my car along with Troika for the foreseeable future. *****
Review by Dave Wilson
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