"The album presents a panoply of wonderful classic-sounding Prog and it seems to me that the songwriting very intentionally harkens back to the early Spock's Beard that changed everything for so many of us. That, of course, is wonderful news. But just as wonderful is the unique melding of modern performance style and delivery that continue to make Spock's Beard a one-of-a-kind band. Meros is dominant with his aggressive yet always tasteful bass, Morse is back to his mischievous, innovative and oh-so recognizable self, Leonard is right at home with the complex vocal parts (and some guitar), Okumoto's keyboards are ablaze and Potter's exceptional drumming fits its new home like a hand in a glove. Mouser, of course, brings it all home with his ever-present, masterful touch." PN-TPR

"It's very, very prog indeed-but prog in the original sense: progression. Where some bands, 30 years in, might settle for reheating yesterday's leftovers, Spock's Beard continue to boldly go wherever they damn well please. "The Archaeoptimist" is proof that they are still pushing, still exploring, still finding new galaxies to map." AT-MVM

"From the first single and lead-off track "Invisible", it's clear the Beard are back and sound like they haven't missed a beat. The entire album carries the vibe of a lean, mean version of the band that is getting down to the business of *sounding* like Spock's Beard should sound. While that might appear to be an obvious observation, there's an immediacy to The Archaeoptimist that's been missing from the past couple of albums, bringing the Beard back in your face and doing what they do best. " SM-SP



Essential Track: The title track and 20-minute epic tells the story of a young girl and her father traversing life in a post-apocalyptic world. Leonard is in full majestic stride here, and, as always, Morse's innovative guitar tones provide the unique quirkiness that is essential to Spock's Beard. The song is symphonic and elaborate, featuring hints of Toto (in their Proggier days) and Kansas. While the arrangement accompanying the tale might sound a little pompous in places, this is the type of imperiousness that only the Beard can pull off without risk. Any hint of excess is more than counteracted by the track's direct transitions and outright groove. In the middle, it breaks down into two passages of funk built around Meros' granite-like bass. The first is an excellent verse from Leonard sung from the father's perspective. It will have you bobbing your head as it gives way to a typically unique Morse guitar solo. The second is even better, and again features a mighty bass-driven counterpoint to Leonard's vocals. It is a fabulous passage, and it once again reminds me how much I love Dave Meros' playing. He really is one of the best in the business and his performance is made all the more pleasing by the ease with which Potters keeps up with him. The rhythm section locks in as if the drummer has been in this band all his life, and his fills make it clear that all his childhood listening has more than paid off." PN-TPR
 

Read the full reviews on The Prog Report , and Sonic Perspectives.

Listen and watch the videos on the band's YouTube Channel.

Buy the Album from Madfish, or wherever great Prog music is sold.
 

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There are no NewEARS show announcements at this time


Click on the following link for a complete list of bands that have played for the NewEARS Art Rock Series
 

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12/12/25	The Slambovian Circus of Dreams - "A Very Slambovian Christmas"	Infinity Music Hall - Norfolk, CT
12/12/25	Consider The Source - with The Rupert Selection	The Stone Church - Newmarket, NH
12/19/25	Consider The Source - with PX3	Arch Street Tavern - Hartford, CT
12/19/25	The Wizards of Winter - Winter 2025 Tour	Tupello Music Hall - Derry, NH
12/20/25	Consider The Source - co-bill with Strange Machines + The Hot Chocheys	The Middle East - Cambridge, MA
12/20/25	The Wizards of Winter - Winter 2025 Tour	Colonial Theater - Pittsfield, MA
12/31/25	Consider The Source - with Minka - New Year's Eve Party	Electric Haze - Worcester, MA
1/08/26	Kayo Dot - Every Rock, Every Half-Truth Under Reason Tour, a commemoration of the 20th anniversary of Choirs of the Eye that reunites the original band lineup	Space Ballroom - Hamden, CT
1/09/26	Kayo Dot - Every Rock, Every Half-Truth Under Reason Tour, a commemoration of the 20th anniversary of Choirs of the Eye that reunites the original band lineup	The Middle East - Cambridge, MA
1/10/26	Lotus Land - American RUSH Tribute	Toad's Place - New Haven, CT
1/10/26	There, There - (A Tribute to Radiohead)	Sinclair - Cambridge, MA
1/31/26	Into The Floyd - An Interstellar Journey Into the Music of Pink Floyd	Sanctuary - Maynard, MA

Consider the Source has announced a series of concerts for 2025, including a New Year's run and a special vinyl reissue of their album "World War Trio" to celebrate its tenth anniversary. The band will be touring the Northeast U.S. with performances in cities such as Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Newmarket, New Hampshire, and Cambridge, Massachusetts. They will also be in Philadelphia with the Worldtown Soundsystem and in Boston with Strange Machines. The tour includes special shows in various locations, with tickets available for purchase through Eventbrite. Fans can look forward to a blend of progressive rock and progressive metal influences, showcasing the band's unique sci-fi fusion sound.

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Click here for Season 4-12 and the latest podcast from Delicious Agony - Progressive Rock Radio

Click here for a complete list of artists that have appeared on the NewEARS Prog Show Season 1-3

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