Noise Floor: Special Edition 2CD

Spock's Beard are a band who are in a continual state of evolution, as is always the case with genuinely creative musicians. And their new album, 'Noise Floor', fits perfectly into this process. “We are always about evolution, not revolution. But what we have done this time is make the songs more melodic,” believes vocalist/guitarist Ted Leonard. “We still love our crazy prog, but now appreciate how important it is to grab people's attention early on.”

Leonard states furthermore: “If you enjoy what we have been doing on the past two albums, then I am sure there will be much that will appeal to you on Noise Floor. Some of the material this time is very bright and melodically appealing, while on the other hand there's also a lot of dark tracks as well.” Long term fans of Spock's Beard will find much to commend on what is the band's 13th studio album. Both Leonard and Okumoto feel it is a natural development. “What we have always strived to do with every album is take a step forward,” explains Leonard. “But not a giant leap. We know what this band are all about, and the aim is always to ensure we don't repeat ourselves.” Okumoto adds: “Noise Floor has all the elements people have come to expect from us, but pushed just a little onwards.”

One key change on this album sees the return of drummer Nick D'Virgilio, who originally left in 2011. But both Leonard and keyboard player Okumoto play down D'Virgilio's long term role: “Well, we are very happy to have Nick back with us for the album,” says Leonard. “But right now, it does not go any further.” “We would love Nick to be able to play live with us again,” adds Okumoto. “The trouble is that he has so many other commitments with his time that I doubt he can fit us into his schedule when it comes to touring. But we hope Nick will still be able to go into the studio with us in the future.”

Long term fans of Spock's Beard will find much to commend on what is the band's 13th studio album. Both Leonard and Okumoto feel it is a natural development. “What we have always strived to do with every album is take a step forward,” explains Leonard. “But not a giant leap. We know what this band are all about, and the aim is always to ensure we don't repeat ourselves.” “If you have enjoyed what we have done up until now, then I am sure you will like 'Noise Floor',” concludes Okumoto. “It has all the elements people have come to expect from us, but pushed just a little onwards.”