After the announcement of Neal Morse's departure from Spock's Beard, the arrival of "Feel Euphoria" was highly anticipated. The news that the drummer would now be taking over the vocal parts was not very reassuring. Knowing that Neal Morse was also the band's main songwriter, many predicted the end of the band.
The album opens with a track that has at least one advantage, that of putting everyone in agreement. Whether or not you regret the departure of the ex-leader, 'Onomatopeia' is a testament to a new beginning. With its heady, hard-hitting rhythm, it's nothing like anything you've ever heard from Spock's Beard. But don't stop at this track because you might regret it!
The Spock's Beard you'll find throughout this album is certainly very different from the fabulous 'Snow', but it's very similar in spirit and general construction to the 'Day For Night' period, and perhaps of a higher quality. Apart from 'Onomatopeia', you'll come away from this album feeling as though you've heard everything Spock's Beard has ever offered since their debut.
On the other hand, there is one element that might throw some people off: the voice. Nick D'Virgilio has a splendid voice, but it is much more Rock than Neal Morse's. Some will judge that Spock's Beard loses its soul, others will simply see in it a possibility of evolution towards other horizons.
Sit back in your chair, start "Feel Euphoria", forget it's Spock's Beard and just let it carry you out. The four musicians have a real sense of composition and they prove it to us. Fans of "The Light" or "Snow" era may be a little disappointed, but fans of Progressive Rock will be delighted.