It is inevitable that Akacia will be compared to Neal Morse. Based in Massachusetts, the relatively young Christian progressive rock group share many of the same musical characteristics as Morse, Spock's Beard, Glass Hammer and Magenta: plentiful symphonic keys, textured electric/acoustic guitars that emulate Steve Howe and lengthy tracks in which the band show off their wares. The one thing Akacia doesn't have yet in comparison to the aforementioned bands is a decent production. The mix is somewhat muddy, hindering the potential power of the compositions. Still, Akacia have their collective hearts in the right place and they do make all the right moves on tracks such as "Postmodernity" and "Olivet". But the 36-minute title track is ridiculously long and suffers from an arrangement that never quite takes off. While I have no problem with Christian lyrics per se, "The Grace of God" is a little over the top for my taste. The Brass Serpent certainly has its moments and I guess I'd recommend it to those who can't get enough symphonic rock in their diet. Maybe their next effort will put them in the big leagues.
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It is inevitable that Akacia will be compared to Neal Morse. Based in Massachusetts, the relatively young Christian progressive rock group share many of the same musical characteristics as Morse, Spock's Beard, Glass Hammer and Magenta: plentiful symphonic keys, textured electric/acoustic guitars that emulate Steve Howe and lengthy tracks in which the band show off their wares. The one thing Akacia doesn't have yet in comparison to the aforementioned bands is a decent production. The mix is somewhat muddy, hindering the potential power of the compositions. Still, Akacia have their collective hearts in the right place and they do make all the right moves on tracks such as "Postmodernity" and "Olivet". But the 36-minute title track is ridiculously long and suffers from an arrangement that never quite takes off. While I have no problem with Christian lyrics per se, "The Grace of God" is a little over the top for my taste. The Brass Serpent certainly has its moments and I guess I'd recommend it to those who can't get enough symphonic rock in their diet. Maybe their next effort will put them in the big leagues. 
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