by Geoff Bailie
As Mike Portnoy reminded us tonight, this final run of shows in Europe signifies the end of a flight for the Transatlantic airship that started in Sweden in September 2019, when the band met for the first time since 2014 to write and record what became The Absolute Universe album. Covid intervened, which meant that the London debut of music from this album finally arrived almost 3 years later – and, boy, did it arrive!!!
Kicking off with a full performance of said album, the band bounced on stage and, accompanied by Ted Leonard as instrumental and vocal utility guy, hit a musical trajectory that was basically vertical. Starting, and subsequently usually referred to, as a “super-group”, on account of the band members’ pedigree gained in other groups, Transatlantic has established its own sound and synergy – and it’s clear that the U.K. audience were delighted to be experiencing that once more. Both band and audience maintained high energy levels across the 3+ hours of the show. The Absolute Universe was presented in a version closest to the Ultimate Version which appears on the blu ray, covering all of the key songs on the album, united into a two part piece. As an audience member you find your attention shifting around the stage as different band members pick up the lead vocals or instrumental features. The Portnoy/Trewawas rhythm section were tightly locked together, while Stolt’s improvisational style brought some great soloing to the piece. The “sideways drum kit” set up familiar to those who’ve seen the band before, allowed interplay between all the band members, between Morse and Portnoy on their risers, and even some stick throwing / dropping between Ted and Mike. It’s hard to pick a highlight, but for me, the section from “Can You Feel It” right through to the end is a stand out piece of music, accompanied by great visuals and – I have to say this for the whole show – brilliant lighting / effects which truly added to the experience, and, from where I was sitting, an incredible sound mix.
When the band returned for the second half, it was time to explore the rest of the band’s substantial catalogue. Returning to the stage to the intro music for the opening of “The Whirlwind”, the audience were treated to 30 minutes of highlights from that epic album. Most of the “Overture” was followed by “Rose Colored Glasses”, “Evermore”, “Is It Really Happening?” and the “Whirlwind” reprise. The ending of “Rose Colored Glasses” never fails to be moving and the dark intro to “Is It Really Happening?” led to an incredible instrumental workout with shifting time signatures and dynamics – a really powerful track!
The Forum was then lit up with mobile phones as the band led into “We All Need Some Light” – the singing from the Transatlantic Choir in the audience reminded us of what we had all missed from live music experiences, and it was preceded by a two guitar improvisation by Roine and Neal. Ted was used to great effect on this one too, taking the second verse as has become customary. The evening closed with what I would call a “Greatest Bits We Can’t Play In Full Or Else We’ll Be Here For Two Hours” Medley which threw together highlights from SMPTe and Bridge Across Forever, ending with a phenomenal version of the ending of “Stranger In Your Soul.”
We all know that other band commitments means Transatlantic tours/ shows are – catch ‘em or you’ll miss ‘em… well I am glad I didn’t miss this fantastic show and judging by the noise the Forum at the end of the night, neither did anyone else. A special band, a great show and an appreciative audience – all the key elements were present.
The Absolute Universe:
Overture: The Absolute Universe
Reaching for the Sky
Higher Than the Morning
The Darkness in the Light
Take Now My Soul
Bully
Rainbow Sky
Looking for the Light
The World We Used to Know
The Sun Comes Up Today
Love Made a Way (Prelude)
Owl Howl
Solitude
Belong
Lonesome Rebel
Can You Feel It
Looking for the Light (Reprise)
The Greatest Story Never Ends
Love Made a Way
The Whirlwind Medley:
Overture (Whirlwind Overture)
Rose Colored Glasses
Evermore
Is It Really Happening?
Dancing With Eternal Glory (‘Whirlwind Reprise’ only)
We All Need Some Light
SMPT:e/Bridge Across Forever Medley:
Duel With the Devil
(Motherless Children & Walk Away)
My New World
All of the Above (Full Moon Rising)
Stranger in Your Soul (Sleeping Wide Awake & Stranger In Your Soul)
I think what is sad is that AMAZING bands like these can’t do the massive tours that other bands are able to do. Usually in the States they are all able to hit the west coast and east coast but that is it. I did have the opportunity to see The Neal Morse Band in Lawrence Kansas (YES… Lawrence Kansas!!) and it was one of the BEST concerts I have ever been to in my almost 50 years of shows! Oh well, at least we are generally treated to a fantastic Blue Ray/CD box set from one of the shows and I will collect them all! Thanks guys for the music that you give us… Prog On…!!
Top show.