Dream Theater

When Dream And Day Unite (MCA MCF 3445)

Rating: 5 out of 5 (Kataklysmik)

This morning I place a tape in my hi-fi system. It is by a new American rock group called Dream Theater. We press the play button and I am immediately phased. There are sounds coming out of my speakers that I have not experienced for 16 years or more.

I hope you are beginning to cotton on to what is going on here. This is a new record by a new band who appear to be anxious to re-experience the years 1972 to 1978, the golden age of progressive rock music. Surprisingly they do it very well and for that we shall deliver them a more than positive appraisal of their work – that’s eight tracks or, if you like, all 51 minutes 17 seconds’ worth.

‘When Dream And Day Unite’ is a preposterous title. It suggests that the contents are in some way selective, a poignant cut above the rest and in that respect our assumption is absolutely correct. Here is musical dexterity I have not heard in hard rock circles since the glory jazz rock days of Dixie Dregs or, as a more accurate description, early Kansas.

Keyboards run wild in all directions conjuring up sounds from the common or garden Hammond organ to the more select poly-Moog. Meanwhile, the guitar playing is of such an awesome technical standard that I was immediately reminded of a sensational hybrid of Jeff Beck (‘Blow By Blow’ vintage) and Phil Manzanera (Brand X).

Then there is the drumming to consider. We must now all sit down and breathe deeply because in Mike Portnoy I see someone who is clearly better than Neil Peart or Billy Cobham. Yes, this record is a wonderful bundle of fun and even the longest track – that’s the madcap opus ‘The Killing Hand’, which weighs in at a cosy nine minutes – is so captivating that it appears to be over before it’s even begun.

Dream Theater stick out of the current scene like a sore thumb. Every track tells a story, whether it be about lost love or castles in the sky, and there for all to mock is a real life all instrumental track ‘The Ones Who Help To Set The Sun’ (what a marvelous title) which twists, weaves and hops on the spot like a Mexican jumping bean.

I return to the tape deck and select the continuous play mode. Dream Theater and myself are now the best of buddies and we will continue to enjoy each other’s company for many moons. Tonight, as they say, will last forever.

—Derek Oliver