Second Nature

Personnel: Neal Morse (vocals, guitar, keyboards); Casey McPherson (vocals, guitar); Mike Portnoy (vocals, drums, percussion); Steve Morse (guitar).
Audio Mixer: Rich Mouser.
Illustrator: Hugh Syme.
Photographer: Jim Arbogast.
The sophomore full-length album from Flying Colors, 2014's Second Nature, showcases the supergroup's ambitious, soaring prog rock. As on the group's 2008 self-titled debut, featured here are former Endochine member and Alpha Rev lead vocalist Casey McPherson, ex-Dream Theater drummer/vocalist Mike Portnoy, Dixie Dregs bassist Dave LaRue, Dixie Dregs guitarist Steve Morse, and former Spock's Beard keyboardist/vocalist Neal Morse. If on their debut Flying Colors were finding their footing as a neophyte ensemble, on Second Nature they reveal a newfound cohesion born out of their 2012 tour (documented on the 2013 concert album Live in Europe). Consequently, this is an album that balances the group's virtuosic talents with moments of orchestral lyricism, folk-inflected balladry, and powerhouse rock anthems. Included on Second Nature is the single "Mask Machine." ~ Matt Collar