Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Spock's Beard: X (2010)


 Getting psyched for the vinyl release of Feel Euphoria and taking X for a spin. The former was the first of four with drummer Nick D’Virgilio in the lead vocal role, while the latter was his last. And what a banger he went out on. Every moment of this album is vital, from beginning to end. Particular highlights are the opening “Edge Of The In-Between”, and the killer single, “The Emperor’s New Clothes”. We get a couple of epics with the phenomenal suite, “From The Darkness”, and the album-closing “Jaws Of Heaven”, and we get a maniacal instrumental in the form of “Kamikaze”. The 9-minute “The Quiet House” feels like two different songs, seamlessly intertwined, both of which will be stuck in my head for days. 

Following this album, Nick D’Virgilio left the band and was replaced by touring drummer Jimmy Keegan and Enchant vocalist Ted Leonard for three further albums (NdV returned on drums for the latest, Noise Floor, but in a session role only). While each era of Spock’s has their high points, this album will always be my favorite.

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