I typically shoot for 750 words for a review. I’ll overshoot and then edit it down. This time, I am starting with over 2,000 words in notes and thoughts on Cosmic Cathedral’s debut album “Deep Water.” There is a lot here, not only in length, but width and depth. I’m going to hold close to my word count standard because I’d rather you hear the album than read my review.

Cosmic Cathedral is the latest project coming from prodigious Christian progster Neal Morse (The Resonance, Transatlantic, Spock’s Beard). Last year, he pulled in some local young talent for The Resonance’s debut “No Hill For a Climber” which was a stellar record. Cosmic Cathedral has a different musical contingent. The average age of the band is over 70, featuring truly legendary talent in guitarist Phil Keaggy (Glass Harp, Solo), drummer Chester Thompson (Genesis, Unitopia), and bassist Byron House (Robert Plant, Dolly Parton). To get this much talent in one spot is one thing, but to hear the chemistry is another. The recording was part planned, part jam session, often creating musical moments on the spot.

“Deep Water” draws much from the early roots of prog rock and jazz. There is tonal restlessness and slippery time signatures but not to the rabidity of modern prog as they take the time to set a groove, a setting, and then jam. The band sounds like a single unit with beautiful windows into the various elements such as guitar, keys, bass, drums, vocals, and additional musical elements like horns and strings. Although born from jam sessions, this is a collection of purposeful songs with meaning.

I am bowled over by the magnitude of their performances. I am acquainted with Neal’s noodling, but it is the dynamic sensitivity of these musicians playing as a cohesive unit as if they had played together for years that stands out. The rhythms from Chester between the driving to the subtle shuffle are infectious, the bass grooves that Byron throws down hook me in, and the soaring, subtle and sophisticated guitar gallantry from Phil is mesmerizing. Neal and Phil’s vocals capture emotion and nuance. When they harmonize, the effect reminds me of 70s rock when harmonizing was an important element, sort of like The Beatles or Crosby, Stills, and Nash. The playing is so tight it is unreal.

The album is constructed similarly to “No Hill For a Climber,” however “Deep Water” feels like distinct pictures at an exhibition with patient expositions, allowing for more musical conversation. The opener “Heart of Life” is a 13-minute song that presents like a multi-faceted epic, but meanders through a rather standard song structure. Although that is a chunk of time, I never felt that it was too long as the journey through the various grooves and melodies was entrancing.

“Time To Fly” has a smooth jazz groove from the bass and drums with Phil’s guitar providing smooth clouds in an evening sky. Before I noticed the lyrics, I was imagining an airport lounge looking out on the evening purples and oranges in the sky. Horns, backing vocals and some saxophone solos make for a lush track as the flight crew serenades you. “I Won’t Make It” has a rather provocative title until the punchline lands. It is a heartfelt ballad that makes use of strings around the central piano parts. “Walking In Daylight” showcases Phil’s lead vocal chops amid a real jamfest. The jazz influences are flowing with extended harmonic chords and improvisational jams that flare up throughout the song, with bass, drums, keys, and guitar playing off of each other as textures shift over time.

The remaining 9 tracks form a single 38 minute work, the “Deep Water Suite.” The structure is similar to other Morse epics with an overture to the broader work launching into a journey through dark tension before coming through victoriously to the light. I like the recurring “Launch Out” sections that tie the various episodes together. My favorite part is “New Revelation.” It is like reliving Pentecost with energy and drive as infectious joy bubbles up as the section unfolds. The final section is a peaceful ending, reminiscent of Kansas, as the words form a prayer to Jesus in praise and thanksgiving.

What Cosmic Cathedral pulled together is a truly monumental record and one that is worth the effort to get to know. It is easy enough to listen to in the background, but deep enough to engage over the 70 minute plus runtime. Not only is it magnificent musically and emotionally engaging, but also spiritually uplifting to hear lyrics that direct thoughts to Jesus, even as a setting for prayer. This is one of this year’s top albums for me.

Rating: 10/10

Written by Sean Bailey

Tracklist

1 – The Heart Of Life
2 – Time To Fly
3 – I Won’t Make It
4 – Walking In Daylight
5 – Deep Water Suite

1. Introduction
2. Launch Out, Part One
3. Fires of the Sunrise
4. Storm Surface
5. Nightmare in Paradise
6. Launch Out, Part Two
7. New Revelation
8. Launch Out, Part Three
9. The Door To Heaven

Cosmic Cathedral is:
Neal Morse – keyboards, guitars, vocals
Phil Keaggy – guitars, vocals
Bryon House – bass
Chester Thompson – drums and percussion

Release Date: April 25, 2025

Record Label: InsideOutMusic

Social Media: Website | Spotify | Bandcamp

Video for Deep Water Suite

Video for Time To Fly