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Morse, Tim: Faithscience

Faithscience is the sophomore release from progressive rock multi-instrumentalist/singer/composer Tim Morse, and follows up his 2005 debut Transformation. He's assembled quite a long list of musicians and vocalists to help him flesh out the songs on Faithscience, and the end result is a pleasant, melodic, at times symphonic affair that has a modern touch but still plenty of vintage prog elements for all those old school fans out there.

You can hear traces of Yes and Spock's Beard on spirited tunes like "Voyager" and "Closer", as Morse mixes in plenty of tasty keyboard passages into these adventurous but highly melodic numbers. Most of the vocal melodies & harmonies throughout the album are quite well done, as Morse's lead vocals and the numerous backing singers perfectly fit these quirky prog rock songs. Though there are 11 songs in total, the album is set up with a handful of short instrumental pieces that bridge the gap to the longer pieces. Some of the more acoustic based tracks, like "Window" and "Numb" are quite well done, but it's the more rock based songs such as "Myth" and the ultra proggy "Rome", which features the superb violin of Kansas' David Ragsdale, that really work best. The same can be said for the near 10-minute "The Last Wave", a bombastic tune for all the Spock's Beard, Flower Kings, and Transatlantic lovers in the house, chock full of vintage sounding keyboards and chunky guitar work from Morse, Jerry Jennings, and Mark Dean.

As a solid entry here in 2012, Faithscience might not re-write the book on progressive rock, but it sure if a fun & engaging listen. Those looking for something that will satisfy their craving for classic prog but also deliver it in a modern manner would be well advised to seek this CD out.


Track Listing
1) Descent
2) Voyager
3) Closer
4) Window
5) Numb
6) Myth
7) Found It
8) Rome
9) The Last Wave
10) Afterword
11) The Corners

Added: April 22nd 2013
Reviewer: Pete Pardo
Score:
Related Link: Artist Website
Hits: 2130
Language: english

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Morse, Tim: Faithscience
Posted by Jon Neudorf, SoT Staff Writer on 2013-04-22 06:38:57
My Score:

Tim Morse is a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist who released his debut Transformation in 2005. It took a while but his follow up, Faithscience, was released in 2012. Morse is an exceptionally talented musician and plays a variety of instruments including keyboards, guitars, bass, percussion while also handling most of the lead and background vocals. Giving him a hand are Jerry Jennings (lead and rhythm guitar), Gordon Stizzo (drums) and Jim Diaz (bass) as well as quite a few guests including David Ragsdale who adds violin on one track.

Upon first listen I could not really detect any major flaws here as this is a very well done symphonic progressive rock album. If you are into the melodic side of prog you will surely like this. The music never gets that heavy and if I had to pick a major influence Yes would be your best bet. While not as complex, there are definitely Yes-like moments scattered here and there. The nine minute long "Voyager" is a prime example. Great vocal harmonies and wonderful keyboard breaks are plentiful. The album's first track "Descent" proves that good things do come in small packages. Clocking in at under three minutes there is a lot to like here; the symphonic swells of keys and lovely piano particularly stand out. One of the more bombastic tracks is the symphonic "Closer" where Morse goes all out on the keys and synths. The quieter interludes are particularly effective when contrasting with the more intense symphonic passages. The short "Window" showcases pretty acoustic guitar in a more classical, folk-like vein and is similar in style to the album ending "The Corners" featuring delicate piano, acoustic acoustic and gently building orchestrations.

Faithscience is one of the better symphonic prog albums I have heard recently. His music isn't breaking new boundaries but it doesn't need to when the songs are this strong and well performed. A well-earned four stars.



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