Prolific progressive rock musician Neal Morse has announced the formation of a new band, Neal Morse & The Resonance. The group has released its first music video for the track "All The Rage" and is set to unveil their debut album titled No Hill For A Climber on November 8 through InsideOut Music.
Morse describes this project as a collaboration with a selection of skilled younger musicians from his local area, including Chris Riley (bass), Andre Madatian (guitar), and Philip Martin (drums). The lineup is rounded out with drummer Joe Ganzelli and lead vocalist Johnny Bisaha, with Morse having envisioned the project while reflecting on his plans for 2024. He explained, "I started thinking about what I was going to do in 2024, and my wife suggested that I should think about doing something with the amazingly talented younger guys that we have here locally."
The upcoming five-track album features two epic compositions: the 20-minute opener "Eternity In Your Eyes" and the title track, which has a runtime of 28 minutes. These extensive pieces are complemented by three shorter titles, including “Thief” and “Ever Interceding.” According to Morse, the structure of the album is reminiscent of his previous works, particularly citing Bridge Across Forever and Spock's Beard's V, although he emphasizes that the album will present fresh sounds and musical landscapes.
"All The Rage," the band's second recorded track, captures a more live studio feel, as Morse and his bandmates opted to record much of it without a click track. The result is a raw energy that Morse believes listeners will enjoy, reflecting the group dynamic on the recording.
No Hill For A Climber will be available in various formats, including a limited 2CD digipak, a standard CD jewel case, gatefold 2LP, and as a digital album. The album draws its title from a notable line in Barbara Kingsolver's Demon Copperhead, accentuating the project's literary influences. Pre-orders for No Hill For A Climber can be made online, and Morse anticipates that the album will resonate with fans and newcomers alike.
To watch the music video for "All The Rage," you can visit this link.