In the Earbuds: “The Similitude of a Dream” by Neal Morse Band

As I listened to the first album I’ve heard with Neal Morse (formerly of prog rock band Spock’s Beard) on it, I thought, What makes a good rock opera?

Gratuitous background vocals
Multiple lead vocalists
Borderless songs
An overture
Dream Theater cofounder Mike Portnoy on drums
Volcanic guitar solos
Two discs
Repeated musical themes and melodies
A concept from a centuries-old Christian novel

The Similitude of a Dream delivers all of those things and much more. Based on the story from John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress, it follows the protagonist Christian in his journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. Along the way he meets several characters that encourage, mock, confront, betray, or battle him (a dragon!).

The lyrics are fine in most places, and weak in a few others (“Satan’s talking such smack”). The musical quality is off the charts. Organ-heavy prog rock with a lot of 70’s influence, which occasional chunky metal diversions. Each band member is a virtuoso in his own right, and often on more than one instrument. Highlights include “City of Destruction” (a killer Black Sabbath riff and soaring melody), “The Man in the Iron Cage” (sort of a Black Dog Jr. with a great hook), and “Draw the Line” (a smashing hard rock progression). The effort, imagination, and skill that went into this album bazookas your face. And it looks like more is around the corner in 2019 with their next double album, “The Great Adventure.”

I was going to add a few more things, but I just went on and on about Neal Morse. Next time!

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