After about 10 full listens to this album I now have a true feeling on it...
I would say its boring, predictable, rushed, cookie cutter, formulaic. Average at best.
It sounds like something written in a 24 hour period.
Derrick's keyboards are very uninventive here. Sounds like he uses a lot of pre made samples as well. (The opening of God of the Sun)The same ones I used on my 1995 CD.
This is my first experience listening to Jeff Scott Sotto and I'm not all that impressed. He flats a lot on this record.
Example...
Stare at the wall
Pray for reflection
Try to recall
Beg for "redemption" <------ Very flat!
and how many times can you accentuate a part of song with, "YEAH!"
The guitar, bass, and drum work is fine, but as I said the songs are very forgettable.
Lastly, the lyrics are really bad at times.
"Wastin' time
Lost in oblivion
I'm leaving tomorrow"
Leaving for where? Cheese....
I am a big fan of MP but this is the weakest project of anything I've heard from him. I'd say focus on Winery Dogs, Flying Colors, Neal Morse, and a Transatlantic reunion.
I am just giving my honest assessment. I wanted to like it but its just not great. That being said, if they played close to me I'd go (if the tickets were cheap)just because the musicians are great and hopefully it would be better live.