This is the second of Magna Carta's one-time-only groupings and the second to feature bassist Tony Levin. Fortunately for all concerned, it's light years beyond Black Light Syndrome, which paired Levin with guitarist Steve Stevens and drummer Terry Bozzio in an ill-conceived and poorly executed set of improvisations. There is one such impromptu excursion here, the concluding 28-minute "Three Minute Warning," but even it holds up favorably by comparison. But it's the rest of the tunes here that showcase the versatility of Dream Theater members John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy and Dregs keyboardist Jordan Rudess. They fit the fusion/prog rock tag, with plenty of chopsmanship on display, but also with some allegiance to melody and restraint. Not likely to get any radio play, but then that wasn't the point of the session. ~ Ross Boissoneau, All Music Guide
Black Light Syndrome a "ill-conceived and poorly executed set of improvisations " ? Who IS that reviewer? That was some of the most complex and amazing music I've ever heard. LTE is great too, but not a great comparison. Jordan Rudess' keyboard playing often ruins the tunes in LTE and Dream Theater for me. Great player, yes. Just don't like his style at all.
I thought Black Light Syndrome was a great album, and when share it with my friends, they are never disappointed.
This all comes down to taste, of course, which makes music criticism a pointless exercise. "If his mind is prehensile, he'll put down his pencil and have himself a squat on the cosmic utensil"--Frank Zappa
I beg to differ about the Blacklight Syndrome project. Ill-conceived? That whole album is an improvisational masterpiece. Had many good "experiences" listening to it.
HAHA! This stuff shouldn't be legal its sooo good. Their second album is even better than this first one, if you can imagine. These guys take MUSIC to levels that don't make sense to most people. Simply TOP-NOTCH. The best instrumental album (Prog) I have ever heard. And I am comparing to Satriani and Vai and those of that ilk.