Search - Spock's Beard :: Kindness of Strangers

Spock's Beard rules contemporary prog rock

Lord Chimp | Monkey World | 11/12/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I must admit I am a complete Spock's Beard sycophant. I love everything they have done. The Kindness of Strangers was the first album I bought by the Beard, and it honestly changed my life. I wondered, "Can music really be so perfect?" I love the way this band brings together Beatles-like pop sensibilities with epic compositions and stunning musicianship.While some criticize Spock's Beard for a supposed lack of originality, I think there is nothing like them. Obviously, they are strongly influenced by the progressive greats of the past, but they achieve a remarkably effective synthesis of 70s prog rock and modern sensibilities. The result is a sound that is appealingly familiar and excitingly fresh all at once.This being my first Beard album, the opening track, "The Good Don't Last", was the first Beard song I'd ever heard. I was shocked. The musicianship is quirky and melodic and classic, but what really got to me was how catchy the song was. Neal Morse, the main songwriter, has unmatched ears for melody. I was singing along before the song had ended. No doubt the most hook-laden 10-minute song ever. (Or so I say!)There's other highlights too. "June" is a mellow acoustic song with beautiful vocals; "Harms Way" is dynamic, somewhat jazzy, and charged with some emotional parts; "Flow" is epic, stately, intensely performed, and catchy. It's all outstanding, really. Perfect, even.I hope you enjoy it."

The best new progressive rock band in years!

Carlos Baez | Roswell, GA | 12/06/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What an incredible album! If you are an old Genesis, Yes, Gentle Giant, or ELP fan, you owe it to yourself to pick up their entire catalog. Majestic compositions awash in Mellotron and Hammond B-3 orchestrations, with angelic vocal harmonies, searing guitar, and an awesome rhythm section led by Genesis's current touring drummer Nick D'Virgilio. Unlike other neo-prog bands, SB knows how to compose a great piece of melodic, catchy music that is also intricate and challenging. Those of you who like music that is more than 3 chords or cookie-cutter pop will be delighted with Spock's Beard."

Progressive Rock Is Here To Stay

A. Calabrese | NJ--United States | 11/23/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I was cruisin' Amazon looking for some YES albums when I came across a recommendation for Spock's Beard. Being a baby boomer fan of YES, ASIA, King Crimson, and Genesis I lament most of the new bands out there. Green Day and Nirvana never really did it for me. The Kindness of Strangers is my first Spock's Beard CD purchase. This is a great album and very reminiscent of YES during the Bruford Period with a tinge of Genesis (before Phil Collins thought himself a crooner.) I highly recommend the following cuts "The Good Don't Last," "Strange World," and "Harm's Way." The Kindness of Strangers is a good introduction to Spock's Beard."