Recent Reviews

December 2024

November 2024

October 2024

September 2024

August 2024

[ More Music Reviews ]


Transatlantic: The Whirlwind
Transatlantic The Whirlwind new music review

Transatlantic: The Whirlwind

Progressive Rock
Rating: 5.0/5.0

Radiant Records
www.transatlanticweb.com
www.myspace.com/transatlanticprog
Review: Craig Hartranft,  01.04.2010

Putting prog rock supergroup nominations aside, Transatlantic featuring Neal Morse (k), Mike Portnoy (d), Roine Stolt (g), and Pete Trewavas (b) is a delightful amalgam of four very strong creative forces. Representing four of the best modern prog rock and metal bands in the last two decades, Transatlantic sounds like all and none of their respective bands (you know who they are, and if you don't go look it up on Wikipedia). The Whirlwind, there most recent collaboration since 2001, finds the band wisely depending upon and evolving from former foundations.

For some reason, call it ingenuity on Transatlantic's part or simple perplexity on mine, The Whirlwind, has a monolithic and inspirational quality that folds complexity into accessibility. In some sense, this work sounds totally old school, something dating to 70's like Pink Floyd meeting Kansas without any desire to be either. Yet, it's remarkable in it's transcendence, crossing time and territory like good literature. Rose Colored Glasses, Whirlwind, and Set Us Free among others are both earthbound and ethereal, stinging both body and soul.

To understand the substance and solidarity of The Whirlwind, I strongly encourage you to purchase the CD rather than the digital download. Why? Listen to the movement between Evermore, Set Us Free, and Lay Down Your Life: the context travels upon a road of rock, funk, some metal, and plain fusion while allowing a palatable dissimilarity between pieces. Yet it all sounds so wonderfully naturally crisp and purposeful. This is why we desire, seek out, and enjoy progressive rock. Not to be cliche, but it does not get any better than this! Transatlantic's The Whirlwind is remarkable, immensely pleasing by binding intricate craftsmanship with pure entertaining beauty. Cripes! There's a mouthful! Buy it!

In Short

Not to be cliche, but it does not get any better than this! Transatlantic's The Whirlwind is remarkable, immensely pleasing by binding intricate craftsmanship with pure entertaining beauty. Cripes! There's a mouthful! Buy it!

Find A Review

Alphabetical Index

a b c d e f g h i j
k l m n o p q r s t
u v w x y z #
New & Notable
Read the Powell-Payne: Voilá Album Review

The Powell Payne project, created in 2022 is the collaboration of Mark "Penfold Powell (ex-drummer of Psycho Kiss) and Adam Payne (former vocalist of Airrace). With guitarist Adam Davies and keyboard player ... [ Read More ]