This is the second instalment of LTE, released back in ’99. Looking back at the cover many years later, you notice Portnoy has short hair, Rudess actually has HAIR, and Petrucci’s beard and forehead hadn’t taken over his whole appearance at this point. Musically it’s on the money if you like overblown and over the top instrumentals – and I most certainly do.
Acid Rain feels like a Dream Theater tune until the middle section where everyone does their individual thing. A ripping opener!!! Biaxident starts in quite a grandiose classical manner before the killer odd time grooves take over. This track does have a seventies fusion vibe to it. 914 starts with big drums and Tony Levin pounding on the bass, but this track is all about Rudess on the keys. Killer playing!!! When The Water Breaks was inspired by the arrival of John Petrucci’s child and his departure to be there at the birth. I get that the keyboard intro is inspired by that, but the rest of the track? I don’t hear it. It’s just killer fusion to me. Chewbaca has a seemingly familiar vibe, as it starts quite simple with a great groove and just takes off. Hourglass is the most laid back track on the album and dare I say, an instrumental ballad. Another Dimension gets my vote as favourite tune on the album, as the Petrucci’s playing is just insane. The album closes out with Liquid Dreams and I would say this is the most experimental piece on the album. At times Jazz, Prog, and everything else in between. Long may they make long instrumentals that defy grands.
9.5/10 from The Grooveman.
