Exploring the Depths of the Cosmic Cathedral – The Progressive Subway
Some musicians have a distinct style that sets them apart from others. Neal Morse is one such artist, easily recognizable within the first thirty seconds of any of his projects due to his unique sound. Over the years, Morse has been involved in various bands like Spock’s Beard, Neal Morse Band, and Transatlantic, all of which have been a source of comfort for many listeners, including myself. However, since 2019, Morse has released a series of lackluster albums under his own name and with other groups, leaving fans like me feeling disappointed.
His latest project, Cosmic Cathedral, sees Morse collaborating with acclaimed Christian guitarist and vocalist Phil Keaggy, bassist Bryon House, and jazz drummer Chester Thompson. Despite the lineup changes, the essence of Deep Water remains a Neal Morse album at its core. Filled with Christian lyrics, sprawling epics, virtuosic solos, and a touch of cheese, the album embodies the essence of neo-prog at its most extravagant. Recorded during jam sessions, there is a renewed energy in the performances, hinting at a possible return to form for Morse.
While the promotional material for Deep Water mentions influences from progressive rock, The Beatles, and yacht rock, the album primarily delivers the familiar neo-prog sound associated with Morse. Tracks like “Time to Fly” offer a refreshing departure with its yacht rock elements, showcasing a fun and experimental side of Cosmic Cathedral. The thirteen-minute opener, “The Heart of Life,” is a bombastic track reminiscent of Transatlantic’s style, featuring jubilant synths, jazzy sections, and soulful vocals. However, the album’s lyrical content, heavily centered on Christian themes, feels repetitive and uninspired, detracting from the overall experience.
The highlight of Deep Water is the thirty-eight-minute title suite, which combines shreddy solos, gospel choirs, and Morse’s signature grandeur. While reminiscent of Morse’s earlier work, the suite suffers from disjointedness and an excess of evangelizing in its conclusion. Despite its shortcomings, Deep Water offers a solid dose of neo-prog goodness, appealing to fans of the genre. Morse’s consistency and devotion to his craft shine through in this release, making it a worthwhile addition to his extensive discography.
While Cosmic Cathedral’s Deep Water may not reinvent the wheel, it succeeds in delivering a classic prog rock experience. With standout tracks like “The Heart of Life” and “Time to Fly,” the album showcases the band’s musical prowess and highlights Morse’s enduring artistry. Fans of Morse’s previous projects and neo-prog enthusiasts are sure to find enjoyment in this latest offering from Cosmic Cathedral. It may not be groundbreaking, but Deep Water is a solid entry in Morse’s illustrious career, reaffirming his status as a prog rock icon.