One year after "the Light", a first album that let us expect the best, Spock's Beard releases "Beware Of Darkness" and confirms all the hopes placed in this young band. In the meantime, a new keyboard player has been recruited in the person of Ryo Okumoto and the ingredients that proved their success in 1995 are taken again, while adding some very particular characteristics that allow to really talk about evolution.
First surprise, the song that gives its title to the album is in fact a cover of a song released in 1970 and appearing in the third solo album of the ex-Beatles George Harrison: 'All Things Must Pass'. Neal Morse never hid his passion for the Beatles and this is not surprising, even if this revised version of "Beware Of Darkness" clearly bears the mark of Spock's Beard, especially in the use of the chorus.
However, what marks the most when listening to this second opus is a diversity that was hard to find in "The Light". The style is still easily identifiable from the first listening but the originality is a little more present. Around the two typically progressive tracks that are 'The Doorway' and 'Time Has Come', more personal or intimist compositions have been grafted, such as the instrumental 'Chatauqua' that reminds us of the moments that Steve Howe offers himself in tête-à-tête with his public during Yes' concerts. Also, some experimental elements appear, like the very characteristic intro of "Thoughts".
Maybe not yet as professional as "Snow", especially in the sound recording, "Beware Of Darkness" remains however an album to own because everything is there: inspiration, technique and the sense of the melody and the arrangement. A must have.