D'VIRGILIO, MORSE & JENNINGS

(UNITED STATES)

SOPHOMORE

(2023)
LABEL:

INSIDEOUT MUSIC

GENRE:

POP

/ ROCK
TAGS:
Easy-Listening, Folk
""Sophomore" by D'Virgilio, Morse & Jennings is aimed at fans of good pop/folk music, who will be charmed by the songs before singing along."
CORTO1809 (30.11.2023)  
4/5
(0) opinions (0) comment(s)
One might have thought that this was merely an experiment destined to remain unique, a recreational interlude granted to three established artists far from their preferred fields. Yet, 21 months after the excellent "Troika", D'Virgilio, Morse & Jennings reactivate their unlikely union to give it a successor in the form of the aptly named "Sophomore".

As with "Troika", there's no progressive rock on this new opus, nor metal, the three artists' usual hunting grounds. They prove that they don't need to be confined to one style, but are capable of opening up to something else. "Sophomore" features ten finely chiselled pop tracks (+ 2 alternative versions) whose sole ambition is to give the listener a pleasant time.

Like its predecessor, the album opens with a song that could have been sung by Crosby, Stills & Nash in the 70s. While the other tracks are less connotative, they all rely on the vocal harmonies on which the songs are based, and which are the very foundation of the project. Each member of the trio has composed a few songs for the album, which he interprets and on which the other two lay down their voices, in the tradition of groups such as Crosby, Stills & Nash, already mentioned, or America. While the musicians' arrangements and playing are of impeccable quality, their role remains that of accompanist. There are no instrumental digressions or dazzling solos; here, the focus is on the song and its melody.

The pop/folk/rock tonality is respected from start to finish, and the diversity of the compositions avoids weariness, alternating lively tracks and melancholy laments sprinkled with funky, country and bluesy touches... The twin brother of "Troika", "Sophomore" is aimed at fans of good pop/folk music, who will let themselves be charmed by its songs before singing them back in chorus.
- Official website

Did you know?

Nick D'Virgilio is an American drummer and singer best known for his role in the band Spock's Beard.

Neal Morse was vocalist, keyboardist and principal composer of the progressive rock band Spock's Beard from 1992 to 2002. He subsequently co-founded the supergroup Transatlantic and took part in the Flying Colors adventure.

Ross Jennings is a British singer best known for his work with progressive metal band Haken.
SIMILAR BANDS:
CROSBY, STILL & NASH, AMERICA

TRACK LISTING:
01. Hard To Be Easy - 5:09
02. Linger At The Edge Of My Memory - 5:04
03. Tiny Little Fires - 3:32
04. Right Where You Should Be - 3:43
05. The Weary One - 4:45
06. Mama - 3:52
07. I'm Not Afraid - 3:57
08. Weighs Me Down - 4:12
09. Walking On Water - 5:18
10. Anywhere The Wind Blows - 4:29
11. Right Where You Should Be (Alternative Version) - 3:43
12. The Weary One (Alternative Version) - 4:46

LINEUP:
Neal Morse: Chant / Guitares / Basse / Claviers
Nick D’Virgilio: Chant / Guitares / Batterie / Percussions / Ukulele
Ross Jennings : Chant / Guitares / Basse / Claviers / Xylophone
Gideon Klein: Invité / Guitare (4) / Cordes (5)
Sophia D’virgilio: Invité / Choeurs (8)
Yulia Jennings: Invité / Choeurs (8)
   
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OTHER(S) REVIEWS ABOUT D'VIRGILIO, MORSE & JENNINGS
D-VIRGILIO-MORSE--JENNINGS_Troika
Troika (2022)
4/5
3.5/5
INSIDEOUT MUSIC / POP
 
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