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