You Have It All -- the second album from Los Angeles-based Lobate Scarp -- might be the next best thing to a new Spock’s Beard album. You’ve got keyboardist Ryo Okumoto playing on the regal opening instrumental “Conduit,” with drummer Jimmy Keegan behind the kit on “Life-Line” and “Our Test Tube Universe” (a pair of punchy and soaring songs that characterize Lobate Scarp’s music). Plus Rich Mouser, who built his studio reputation with Spock’s, co-produced the album as well as plays multiple instruments. Jon Davison and Billy Sherwood, both from Yes, also make guest vocal appearances on the epic title track. But enough with the name-dropping…
Lobate Scarp -- which appears to takes its name from the long and curvilinear structures found on some planetary bodies, as illustrated on the colorful album cover -- plays symphonic progressive rock that is both ambitious and accessible. Lead vocalist Adam Sears writes or co-writes all of the material, and his dramatic delivery complements these majestic arrangements that are executed by a stellar lineup of musicians.
Like Spock’s Beard records, You Have It All features long tracks, with the longest two clocking in at 14:31 (the title track) and 17:27 (the five-part album closer “Flowing Through the Change”). Both epics boast Yes, Rush, Queen and Big Big Train influences, and they prove Lobate Scarp can handle the heavy musical lifting with precision and ease.
All told, You Have It All isn’t quite as compelling as a Spock’s Beard album, but it still makes for an enjoyable 67-minute listening experience and suggests the future of American-made symphonic prog is in good hands.
Track Listing:
1. Conduit
2. Nothing Wrong
3. In the Night I
4. Life-Line
5. You Have It All
6. In the Night II
7. Beautiful Light
8. Out Test Tube Universe
9. Flowing Through the Change
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
