Flying Colors – Second Nature – Music Theories/Mascot
By John Knowles
Flying Colors are back with the follow-up to their 2012 eponymous debut album, Flying Colors. The new album is entitled Second Nature and is sure to please the original fans as well as win over the masses. The album features 9 amazing tracks, and a clear shift in musical direction from the debut. The shift is anything but disappointing, as the band seems to have found something much closer to their comfort zone. While the debut had its moments where fans got exactly what they were expecting, most notably on “Infinite Fire,” Second Nature manages to maintain the magic, heart, and uniqueness of it’s predecessor, but with a much greater inclusive sense of each member’s unique talents and influences. One really gets the sense when listening to this album that each member delivers equal contributions, and is equally showcased. What is also true is that the band, comprised of Singer/guitarist Casey McPherson, guitarist Steve Morse, bassist Dave LaRue, keyboardist/vocalist Neal Morse, and drummer/vocalist Mike Portnoy, feels much more like a solidified unit, demonstrating the growth that comes with experience and a great tour.
The album is book-ended by the album’s two epic length tracks. “Open Up Your Eyes” kicks things off, and is sure to blow the listener away from the first play through. The song begins with a beautiful melody from Neal Morse, followed by the impeccably performed main melody as only Steve Morse can deliver. Also present in the opening movement is some of the fastest and perhaps more complex drum patterns from Mr. Portnoy. Bassist Dave LaRue also gets his moment to shine just before the next keyboard-laden jam and the unmistakable voice of Casey McPherson. The band really takes this song as an opportunity to tip their hats to Yes, Genesis, and many other progressive rock giants. Not to compare this track to “Infinite Fire” from the debut, but let’s just say that if your iTune’s playlist consists of the first album followed by the second, hearing this album’s opener following the debut’s closer would be a very natural track flow. All the elements of a great prog rock epic are found here, including a memorable chorus, and incredibly powerful climax.
“Mask Machine” is up next and proves to be a very worthy choice for the album’s first single. Accompanying the single is the album’s first music video, which is perfectly shot and edited, showcasing the band’s amazing chops, and energetic live presence. “Mask Machine” communicates a call to let go of commercialism, according to lead vocalist McPherson, albeit in a far more poetic and insightful manner. This track has such a powerful opening lick, compliments of LaRue. The band shifts gears from their ode to classic prog rock and alerts listeners to the their influence by some of today’s experimental rock titans such as Queens of the Stone Age and Muse. While a slightly shorter track such as “Bomb’s Away” or “Lost Without You” might have been a better choice for mainstream radio (“Mask Machine” still clocks in at over 6 minutes), this track is perhaps the best choice for a first single thanks to it’s overall sonic impact, relevant and insightful lyrics, and modern feel.
“Bombs Away” and “Fury of My Love” may best remind listeners of the pop musings of the debut, but pay close attention to the instrumental section of “Bombs” and it is obvious that the band never strays too far from their respective back catalogues. By “Fury of My Love” one thing is made blatantly clear: McPherson is once again the secret weapon. Not to take anything away from the other members and the magic they create together, but utilizing the unique talents of a pop/alternative rock vet like Casey is perhaps the most valuable element that separates these guys from all other neo-prog outfits.
“A Place in Your World” is the first track to feature a very notable vocal presence from Neal Morse and Mike Portnoy, and serves as another reminder of the brilliance of this band. While many records lack a certain spark after all the best cards have been dealt, Flying Colors manages to keep listeners very closely engaged by introducing new and surprising elements throughout the entire track list, and beyond this track there are many more surprises. “Lost Without You” brings back the whit and heart of some of the debut’s most inspiring moments on “Love is What I’m Waiting For” or “Fool In My Heart.”
“One Love Forever” has Neal Morse written all over it. This is truly the closest thing to Spock’s Beard the band has written, and to hear such a fun opening movement accompanied by McPherson is one of the album’s highlights. But again, Morse is the true standout on this track, and this is explicitly clear when the bridge comes in mid-way through. With incredibly powerful lyrics and a huge shift in tone, Neal’s solo vocal spot is easily one of the standout moments on the album.
“Peaceful Harbor” kicks off with a familiar melody. Those who paid attention to the amazing live album from last year will recognize the opening melody from Casey’s “Hallelujah” solo spot. The melody was initially captured during sound checks and thankfully became a live staple – landing a spot on the live record and a place in the musical archives of Mike Portnoy who made sure the beautiful melody was recalled during writing sessions for Second Nature. When Steve comes in with his acoustic guitar, Pink Floyd should definitely come to the listener’s mind. Casey trades off vocal duties with Neal, and the two manage to execute one of the best ballads these guys have ever delivered. This is until the break before the triumphal bridge section – it is here that the sentiment “one-of” no longer does justice. It is almost unfair to spoil the surprise for those who have yet to hear this masterpiece, but to give you an idea the song manages to become a marriage of Floyd’s “The Great Gig in the Sky” and Dream Theater’s “The Spirit Carries On.” Neal hired a gospel choir he had recently worked with, making for perhaps the most impactful addition on the album. “Peaceful Harbor” may be the greatest moment on the album, or certainly give the greatest moment a run for its money.
“Cosmic Symphony” closes things out in a big way. The song is comprised of three very distinct parts. The first part, “Still Life of the World” is a great build-up and again showcases the amazing talents of McPherson. Neal Morse takes over vocal duties on part two, “Searching For the Air,” a theme reprised on part three, “Pound For Pound.” The latter is arguably McPherson’s finest hour – a moving acoustic jam that only Casey can pull off. His vocal approach to this section is one of the most notable standouts on the album, and will have the listener singing along by the first repeat. Once again, a choir accompaniment is found on this track and propels the record to its epic and satisfying conclusion.
For a band comprised of such virtuoso players, Second Nature may very well be the album fans were expecting the first time around, though all of the elements that made the first record so special are still very present. Lead vocalist, and guitarist Casey McPherson still proves to be the x-factor of the band; the true differentiator whose unique voice and insightful lyrics propelled the debut to its inarguable level of greatness. The band made a bold move by choosing to self-produce this record, but musicians of this caliber need not rely on the direction of outsiders for long. Like any relationship the magic found on Second Nature is evidence of the power of time, and Flying Colors should continue to grow finer with age, or as the partnership continues in this case. This album is a must-own for all fans of great music, including those even unfamiliar with the debut or any of the musician’s previous works. Even with such fine individual talent in the band, it holds true in this scenario that the sum is greater than the sum of it’s parts, and there’s no better way to elaborate on that truth than the way drummer Mike Portnoy put it:
“You hear all five of our personalities in this music. I think you really hear five distinct voices and styles coming together to create one distinctive sound.”
“Mask Machine” Music Video.
Flying Colors Official Site
Buy Second Nature here.
By John Knowles
Flying Colors are back with the follow-up to their 2012 eponymous debut album, Flying Colors. The new album is entitled Second Nature and is sure to please the original fans as well as win over the masses. The album features 9 amazing tracks, and a clear shift in musical direction from the debut. The shift is anything but disappointing, as the band seems to have found something much closer to their comfort zone. While the debut had its moments where fans got exactly what they were expecting, most notably on “Infinite Fire,” Second Nature manages to maintain the magic, heart, and uniqueness of it’s predecessor, but with a much greater inclusive sense of each member’s unique talents and influences. One really gets the sense when listening to this album that each member delivers equal contributions, and is equally showcased. What is also true is that the band, comprised of Singer/guitarist Casey McPherson, guitarist Steve Morse, bassist Dave LaRue, keyboardist/vocalist Neal Morse, and drummer/vocalist Mike Portnoy, feels much more like a solidified unit, demonstrating the growth that comes with experience and a great tour.
The album is book-ended by the album’s two epic length tracks. “Open Up Your Eyes” kicks things off, and is sure to blow the listener away from the first play through. The song begins with a beautiful melody from Neal Morse, followed by the impeccably performed main melody as only Steve Morse can deliver. Also present in the opening movement is some of the fastest and perhaps more complex drum patterns from Mr. Portnoy. Bassist Dave LaRue also gets his moment to shine just before the next keyboard-laden jam and the unmistakable voice of Casey McPherson. The band really takes this song as an opportunity to tip their hats to Yes, Genesis, and many other progressive rock giants. Not to compare this track to “Infinite Fire” from the debut, but let’s just say that if your iTune’s playlist consists of the first album followed by the second, hearing this album’s opener following the debut’s closer would be a very natural track flow. All the elements of a great prog rock epic are found here, including a memorable chorus, and incredibly powerful climax.
“Mask Machine” is up next and proves to be a very worthy choice for the album’s first single. Accompanying the single is the album’s first music video, which is perfectly shot and edited, showcasing the band’s amazing chops, and energetic live presence. “Mask Machine” communicates a call to let go of commercialism, according to lead vocalist McPherson, albeit in a far more poetic and insightful manner. This track has such a powerful opening lick, compliments of LaRue. The band shifts gears from their ode to classic prog rock and alerts listeners to the their influence by some of today’s experimental rock titans such as Queens of the Stone Age and Muse. While a slightly shorter track such as “Bomb’s Away” or “Lost Without You” might have been a better choice for mainstream radio (“Mask Machine” still clocks in at over 6 minutes), this track is perhaps the best choice for a first single thanks to it’s overall sonic impact, relevant and insightful lyrics, and modern feel.
“Bombs Away” and “Fury of My Love” may best remind listeners of the pop musings of the debut, but pay close attention to the instrumental section of “Bombs” and it is obvious that the band never strays too far from their respective back catalogues. By “Fury of My Love” one thing is made blatantly clear: McPherson is once again the secret weapon. Not to take anything away from the other members and the magic they create together, but utilizing the unique talents of a pop/alternative rock vet like Casey is perhaps the most valuable element that separates these guys from all other neo-prog outfits.
“A Place in Your World” is the first track to feature a very notable vocal presence from Neal Morse and Mike Portnoy, and serves as another reminder of the brilliance of this band. While many records lack a certain spark after all the best cards have been dealt, Flying Colors manages to keep listeners very closely engaged by introducing new and surprising elements throughout the entire track list, and beyond this track there are many more surprises. “Lost Without You” brings back the whit and heart of some of the debut’s most inspiring moments on “Love is What I’m Waiting For” or “Fool In My Heart.”
“One Love Forever” has Neal Morse written all over it. This is truly the closest thing to Spock’s Beard the band has written, and to hear such a fun opening movement accompanied by McPherson is one of the album’s highlights. But again, Morse is the true standout on this track, and this is explicitly clear when the bridge comes in mid-way through. With incredibly powerful lyrics and a huge shift in tone, Neal’s solo vocal spot is easily one of the standout moments on the album.
“Peaceful Harbor” kicks off with a familiar melody. Those who paid attention to the amazing live album from last year will recognize the opening melody from Casey’s “Hallelujah” solo spot. The melody was initially captured during sound checks and thankfully became a live staple – landing a spot on the live record and a place in the musical archives of Mike Portnoy who made sure the beautiful melody was recalled during writing sessions for Second Nature. When Steve comes in with his acoustic guitar, Pink Floyd should definitely come to the listener’s mind. Casey trades off vocal duties with Neal, and the two manage to execute one of the best ballads these guys have ever delivered. This is until the break before the triumphal bridge section – it is here that the sentiment “one-of” no longer does justice. It is almost unfair to spoil the surprise for those who have yet to hear this masterpiece, but to give you an idea the song manages to become a marriage of Floyd’s “The Great Gig in the Sky” and Dream Theater’s “The Spirit Carries On.” Neal hired a gospel choir he had recently worked with, making for perhaps the most impactful addition on the album. “Peaceful Harbor” may be the greatest moment on the album, or certainly give the greatest moment a run for its money.
“Cosmic Symphony” closes things out in a big way. The song is comprised of three very distinct parts. The first part, “Still Life of the World” is a great build-up and again showcases the amazing talents of McPherson. Neal Morse takes over vocal duties on part two, “Searching For the Air,” a theme reprised on part three, “Pound For Pound.” The latter is arguably McPherson’s finest hour – a moving acoustic jam that only Casey can pull off. His vocal approach to this section is one of the most notable standouts on the album, and will have the listener singing along by the first repeat. Once again, a choir accompaniment is found on this track and propels the record to its epic and satisfying conclusion.
For a band comprised of such virtuoso players, Second Nature may very well be the album fans were expecting the first time around, though all of the elements that made the first record so special are still very present. Lead vocalist, and guitarist Casey McPherson still proves to be the x-factor of the band; the true differentiator whose unique voice and insightful lyrics propelled the debut to its inarguable level of greatness. The band made a bold move by choosing to self-produce this record, but musicians of this caliber need not rely on the direction of outsiders for long. Like any relationship the magic found on Second Nature is evidence of the power of time, and Flying Colors should continue to grow finer with age, or as the partnership continues in this case. This album is a must-own for all fans of great music, including those even unfamiliar with the debut or any of the musician’s previous works. Even with such fine individual talent in the band, it holds true in this scenario that the sum is greater than the sum of it’s parts, and there’s no better way to elaborate on that truth than the way drummer Mike Portnoy put it:
“You hear all five of our personalities in this music. I think you really hear five distinct voices and styles coming together to create one distinctive sound.”
“Mask Machine” Music Video.
Flying Colors Official Site
Buy Second Nature here.