Review of NMB’s album “L.I.F.T.” by The Prog Report

In the autumn of 2023, the progressive rock community was abuzz with excitement when Mike Portnoy announced his return to Dream Theater after more than a decade away, leaving fans speculating about the fate of Morse/Portnoy collaborations. The reunion of Dream Theater sparked curiosity about the future of Portnoy’s other musical ventures. Would there still be room for his projects outside the Dream Theater realm? This question lingered until December 2025 when the Neal Morse Band, now known as NMB, surprised fans by revealing that they secretly gathered at Eric Gillette’s home studio to craft a new album, “L.I.F.T.,” during the spring of 2025. With Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy, Randy George, Eric Gillette, and Bill Hubauer at the helm, NMB delivered a captivating and enjoyable album that marks their fifth studio release and the first since 2021’s “Innocence & Danger.”
“L.I.F.T.” immediately sets itself apart as a cohesive single-disc concept album. The opening instrumental track, “Beginning,” greets listeners with top-tier production values and intricate compositions, seamlessly transitioning to “Fully Alive,” which kicks off the narrative with Morse and Hubauer sharing vocal duties. This mid-tempo piece builds momentum with a soaring chorus and Gillette’s impressive guitar solos. “I Still Belong” leads into the instrumental “Gravity’s Grip,” where the band showcases their technical prowess over Portnoy’s solid rhythmic foundation. The album hits its stride with “Hurt People,” a rousing anthem featuring Gillette on lead vocals and a captivating instrumental section that highlights the band’s musical synergy and technical virtuosity.
The emotional depth of the album is further emphasized in tracks like “The Great Withdrawal,” featuring a powerful Gillette solo, and the poignant “Contemplation” leading to “Shame About My Shame,” where Morse’s vocals shine amidst emotive guitar solos. The second half of the album sees an uplifting shift with tracks like “Reaching,” a harmonious rocker showcasing NMB’s vocal harmonies, and “Carry You Again,” a blend of acoustic and full-band arrangements with uplifting themes reminiscent of a modern worship song.
The album’s climax unfolds with “Shattered Barricade” segueing into “Fully Alive Pt. 2,” which revisits earlier musical themes with renewed energy, leading to the epic finale, “Love All Along.” Clocking in at over 11 minutes, this track encapsulates the album’s essence with Morse, Gillette, and Hubauer trading vocal lines against a backdrop of soaring harmonies, culminating in a grandiose conclusion that encapsulates the NMB’s musical prowess.
NMB’s “L.I.F.T.” stands as a testament to the band’s collective inspiration, focus, and well-established chemistry, resulting in a captivating album that perfectly balances narrative storytelling, musical creativity, technical skill, and melodic accessibility. The album’s superb sound quality, courtesy of Rich Mouser’s mixing, further enhances the listening experience, cementing “L.I.F.T.” as an instant classic that stands alongside NMB’s most cherished works. Released on February 27th, 2026, on InsideOutMusic, “L.I.F.T.” showcases NMB’s unwavering commitment to musical excellence and artistic evolution, solidifying their place in the progressive rock pantheon.