Transatlantic – The Absolute Universe: Breath Of Life (Abridged version) Vinyl Review

Introduction

There’s something strangely timeless about Transatlantic, the supergroup comprising Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy, Roine Stolt and Pete Trewavas. The sweeping scope of their ambition, always plain to see, has reached a new peak with The Absolute Universe, an album so packed that the band opted to release it in both full and abridged forms. Whilst the notion of abridgement in literature is a long-held tradition aimed at placing condensed works within the reach of those looking to enjoy a complex story in simplified form, this is the first time (to my knowledge) that such an approach has been adopted by a band.

Of course, any band could claim to have released an abridged version simply by cutting tracks out of the final release, but Transatlantic would not abuse their fans in such a way and so, depending on which version of the record you get (Abridged, Extended or Ultimate), you’ll find different versions of tracks (some with different lyrics), as well as wholly different songs, the idea being that each record is unique in and of itself. It’s a breathtakingly audacious approach to the art of making a concept album, and it’s easy to imagine fans of the band wanting to get their hands on each version, as they truly do offer very different experiences. This review covers the gorgeous vinyl edition of The Breath Of Life (abridged version), although a track comparison can be found at the end for those who want to look into that the different versions have to offer.

The package

An album made for vinyl, Breath Of Life comes housed in a gorgeous gatefold sleeve that shows off the artwork of Pavel Zhovba (who created the distinctive airship design) and Thomas Ewerhard. The rock solid 180g vinyl is well-pressed and crackle free, making for a wonderful listening experience and, for those who prefer the convenience of the CD, the album is included in that format – a generous gesture in which far too few companies indulge. Finally, there’s a 12×12 lyric insert, complete with text-free album art.

LP 1

Breath Of Life opens with a shortened version of the Overture that can be found in all three versions (at 5:52, 8:12 and 9:18 respectively). As one would expect from an overture, it sets the scene with spacey guitar work, haunting keyboards before Mike Portnoy sends everything into orbit with his typically expansive and energetic percussion. As befits a band with the democratic approach of Transatlantic, part of the joy of the Overture is hearing the way in which each band member gets their chance to shine in the spotlight, with no member seeking to overshadow the others. The sense of mutual respect means that it’s the music that remains the primary focus, not always a given in a band where each member is a virtuoso. Having set the tone of the record, Breath Of Life gives us Reaching For The Sky (absent from the extended edition) which, with its rich keyboard tones and driven pace, recalls the Gabriel-fronted Genesis during their prime. Packed with sumptuous harmonies, its an effervescent piece of music that brims over with positivity. That sense of joy seems fade on the shortened Higher Than The Morning, a spacey track that suggests that storm clouds are gathering on the horizon. As the piece shifts from pastoral flute to a rather more sombre coda on the mellotron, so we find ourselves facing the elastic bassline of The Darkness In The Light. A track that is more or less identical across the three versions, it has a tough, King Crimson vibe, although the chorus seeks to dispel some of the tension that accrues during the verse. Nevertheless, Take Now My Soul (another track that is absent from the extended version), is an acoustic-led lament with a Lamb Lies Down On Broadway vibe that will have fans of classic prog in raptures. The first LP spins to a halt with the splenetic Looking For The Light, a track that reminds the listener that Transatlantic are not afraid to rock when the mood so takes them. With Neal Morse’s tough-as-nails synth lines and Roine’s guitar slashing across the mix, Looking For The Light is a definite highlight of the record that, interestingly, is found in its longest incarnation on the abridged version.

LP2

The second LP opens up with Love Made A Way (Prelude), another track that runs longer on the abridged version than on the longer editions. With a Theme From Midnight Cowboy feel, it gently opens the second act, only for Owl Howl (a good two minutes shorter in this edition) to shake the cobwebs loose with some brilliantly Deep Purple-esque fireworks on display. With Ronie Stolt’s hulking riffs augmented by Neal Morse’s flashing fingers, Owl Howl is a piece of dark whimsy that is as reminiscent of Sondheim as it is of Spock’s Beard, while Pete Trewas’ bass is at its most expansive here. Cheekily, the band wind the song down, leaving nervous vinyl lovers checking their drivebelt, before it segues into the gorgeous Solitude, a track that underscores just how beneficial it can be having multiple lead vocalists on hand. Reminiscent of the gorgeous prog pop of Flying Colours, it features the sort of pseudo-symphonic climax that Morse and Portnoy have made their stock in trade, and it’s a really lovely piece of music.

The final side of the album opens with the echoing, Floyd-esque noise of Belong, a short palette cleanser that then segues into the dynamic Can You Feel It (another track that does not appear on the extended cut).  A piece that effectively conjures the spirit of Deep Purple, it’s a tough workout for Neal Morse who shines as he tap dances across the keys, although Pete Trewas gives him a run for his money on Looking For The Light (Reprise), which features some of the most energetic bass you’ll hear this year. With Portnoy employing his arsenal of tricks to keep the track dynamic, it’s a remarkable showcase for one of prog’s best rhythm sections. A drastically shortened The Greatest Story Never Ends (roughly half the run-time found on the other versions), paves the way for the epic-length closer, Love Made A Way. At nine-minutes in length, it’s another track that runs longer here than on the other versions, and it provides the record with the dramatic and emotionally-charged finale it deserves.

Final Thoughts

The Absolute Universe is one of those rare albums that manages to make complexity sound effortless, with the result that it flies through its run time with barely a moment for reflection. Transatlantic’s unwritten mandate of “it’s the songs, stupid” is one that has served them well over the years, and what strikes you is just how many of the pieces are fixed in your memory even after the most cursory of listens. With typically exemplary performances and a sympathetic production, it’s an album that was made for vinyl, with each side thoughtfully representing a mini-act within the whole, and it’s clear that a huge amount of thought went into making The Breath Of Life a powerful listening experience in its own right. Life affirming prog with an emphasis on memorable melodies, The Absolute Universe – The Breath Of Life is a genuine joy, and an essential addition to any prog fan’s collection. 9/10