ALBUM REVIEW: Third Stage: Live In London – Flying Colors

FLYING COLORS are an American progressive rock supergroup. They formed in 2011, and so far have released three studio albums and two live albums. The band consist of guitarist Steve Morse [DEEP PURPLE, DIXIE DREGS, ex-KANSAS], drummer Mike Portnoy [WINDERY DOGS, ex-DREAM THEATER, TRANSATLANTIC], keyboardist/vocalist Neal Morse [TRANSATLANTIC, ex-SPOCK’S BEARD], bassist Dave LaRue [DIXIE DREGS, ex-JOE SATRIANI]), and vocalist and songwriter Casey McPherson [APLHA REV, THE SEA WITHIN]. Their third live album, Third Stage: Live In London was recorded during their 2019 US and European tour, at the final show at Grade II Listed, Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London. Having been known for creating accessible song lyrics with complex music, will it translate well into a live album?

Blue Ocean is the first out of fifteen songs on the album. It starts off with a funky introduction before the vocals kick in. There’s a surprising juxtaposition between the heavy instrumentation and the slower, more poppier vocals. However, they complement each other. This is because the production on the album makes sure that the instruments do not get in the way the vocals. There is a guitar solo to make sure that there is a fair equality between the singing and the instruments.

A Place In Your World is far more rockier, and reminiscent of 80s rock ballads. The song is simple, but effective as the vocals convey a feeling of vulnerability and desperation. The Loss Inside and More follow on, the former is a slow rock number with haunting vocals, whereas More is a gnarlier number. The guitars are grittier and the drums hit harder and there are even guttural vocals. Kayla is great song that has the perfect mix of singing and instruments. There is a guitar solo, and the production means that the pacing of the song is neither slow, nor long. The crowd cheering and clapping along at the start and end of the song makes the listener feel like they’re at the concert.

Unfortunately, the only issue with this album is that it does not sound like a live album. There is the odd cheer here and there, and there’s also some clapping. However, most albums would have the band talking to the audience or the audience shouting out to the band. The listener could easily mistake this album for a studio produced one.

In conclusion, Third Stage: Live In London is slightly underwhelming. The production is smooth, and the pacing is mid-tempo, however, it does not feel like a live album. There is not much of an audience to artist connection, and the album is too well-produced in some places for it to sound live and raw. However, despite that, the instruments and singing is pitch perfect, and the sound is crystal clear. A must-listen for older fans, and, if they take it with a pinch of salt, a good album for new fans to be introduced to.

Rating: 6/10

Third Stage: Live In London is out now via Music Theories Recordings.

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