This review was published in the January 2021 issue of Classic Rock magazine, no.
The Sixties and Seventies influence a safe record for such dynamic personnel.
Joseph Williams contributed vocals to Along for the Ride, which sees Jeff Babko channelling some Won’t Get Fooled Again-spec keys. Williams also appears on laidback foot-tapper Run to Me, with Lukather’s All-Starr bandmate Ringo.
Anybody searching for a likeness to Toto will be satisfied with moody, groovy Serpent Soul, however the record eschews any further comparisons. Instrumental Journey Through smacks of Steve Vai’s For the Love of God – perfect for the contemplative soul also prone to a bout of air guitar. The title track is serene and melodic but with little else to say for itself.
Prog and blues crop up in the extensive Low Spark of High Heeled Boys and Bridge of Sighs, which closes the record. Along with Joe Walsh’s Welcome to the Club, none stray far from the original save for better production. The album has quality in spades, but there are very few surprises.
6/10
Phoebe Flys