Well, where can I begin ? Progressive music don’t let anybody indifferent. How may we hear a musical piece of 30 minutes length without any emotion? That’s clear. You may like it or hate it because it’s difficult to understand how a mind could created a song over 15 minutes which takes multiple musical directions in the same song! Myself, I can compare this kind of song as a film in Cinemascope and Dolby Digital ! That progressive music like Yes, Genesis, Pink Floyd, King Crimson in early 70’s or neo-prog like Marillion, Pallas, IQ, Pendragon for the 80’s and now… TransAtlantic. This music will make your ears and mind dreamed! Ok, alright. All you have to do is to hear several times this record to appreciate all the parts and ambiance… but after… only…this music will stick in your mind and give you an eternal pleasure.

TransAtlantic is formed by Roine Stolt (Flower Kings’ guitarist), Spock’s Beard multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Neal Morse, Marillion bass player Pete Trewavas and Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy. Their first album, “SMPTe” in 2000, was very hermetic and stay in the wake of the progressive music in the early 70’s. If you are born at this period you’ll probably found this album excellent at first play. Myself, it has taken little bit more time to step inside. After melodies kept in mind, I discovered the real talent of this fabulous musicians. Early this year, arrived a double album recorded on tour of “SMPTe”. Same problem as the first studio album. Coming out at the right time or too late! Surprise, on the 8th October, they released Bridge Across Forever. This album is available in normal edition or double limited edition. The second CD contains video footage and covers of Pink Floyd's Shine On Crazy Diamond, Beatles' And I Love Her and Smoke On The Water from Deep Purple. They can play all kind of music. No limits to play other music or create their own. Actual sound, as far as the 70’s sound they can get, melodies are little bit more easier and lots of bridges make this album a must! Same for songs of 30 minutes which seem to say : "oh yes, play me again…I have so many things to tell you !".

I have heard it 10 times and always still didn’t discover all the secrets and substance of this album! Try it and the music will carry you on in the magical kingdom of progressive music. If you would like to discover this band, I advise you to listen to this album first!… and afterwards you can always complete your collection with the other two. They will be in Europe in November for their first European tour. But no dates in Switzerland !