Review By Halina Wegner
Every so often, a record comes along that transcends the very boundaries of genre and expectation. Steve Morse’s Triangulation—the first new Steve Morse Band release since 2009’s Out Standing In Their Field—is one of those rare albums. Released via Music Theories Recordings, this nine-track instrumental odyssey feels less like a comeback and more like a masterclass in creativity, resilience, and emotion. It’s something truly different—a showcase of what happens when one of the greatest living guitarists channels personal loss and life experience into sound.
For nearly five decades, Steve Morse has stood at the summit of guitar innovation. From his early days in the Dixie Dregs to his arena-filling tenure with Deep Purple and countless side projects like Flying Colours, Angelfire, and Living Loud, Morse has consistently expanded what the instrument can express. Now, after years spent away from the stage to care for his late wife, Triangulation arrives not only as a return to music but as a deeply human reflection of where life, love, and artistry intersect.
The album’s title stems from a navigational term—triangulation—used by sailors and aviators to locate their exact position using multiple reference points. For Morse, those points are past, present, and purpose. “It’s a geographical concept that also applies to human life,” he explains, and you can feel that introspection woven into every riff and melody. It’s not just a guitar album; it’s a soul map.
Opening track “Break Through” sets the tone immediately. With Morse’s signature precision, the track blends melody and groove, giving bassist Dave LaRue and drummer Van Romaine plenty of space to shine. “This may start with a guitar riff, but the bass carries the melody,” says Morse—and it’s true. The rhythm section anchors the song with warmth and drive, creating an almost cinematic sense of uplift. It’s a song that radiates positivity, the sound of a man rediscovering joy through music.
“Off The Cuff” follows, its title perfectly capturing the spontaneous, free-flowing interplay between the trio. Morse, LaRue, and Romaine are seasoned collaborators, and that synergy shows—each musician feeding off the others’ phrasing in a way that feels instinctive and alive. The chemistry here is magical, a reminder that this isn’t just Morse’s project—it’s a shared vision forged by decades of musical trust.
When Eric Johnson joins on “TexUS”, the result is pure magic. Two of the most tasteful guitarists alive trade ideas with elegance and fire, weaving Texan twang, fusion fluidity, and melodic brilliance into something both playful and profound. It’s an early highlight that captures Triangulation’s balance of technical mastery and emotional depth.
Things take a darker, more cinematic turn with “The Unexpected” and “March of the Nomads” (featuring Scott Sim). These tracks carry echoes of Morse’s more experimental side—where classical progressions and rock dynamics converge in a way that feels both cerebral and cinematic. “March of the Nomads” in particular stands tall, with its shifting time signatures and soaring lead lines evoking imagery of vast open landscapes and human perseverance.
“Ice Breaker” brings a punchier, rock-driven energy reminiscent of Morse’s High Tension Wires era, while “Tumeni Partz” nods to his legendary technical prowess—an exhilarating display of precision that feels like both a tribute to his roots and a reminder of his unshakeable skill.
The title track, “Triangulation”, featuring Dream Theatre’s John Petrucci, is an absolute standout. Two guitar giants collide here in a breathtaking fusion of progressive power and melodic clarity. Petrucci’s weighty tone complements Morse’s crystalline phrasing beautifully; the result is a conversation between masters—intense, expressive, and perfectly balanced.
Then there’s “Taken by an Angel”, featuring Kevin Morse, Steve’s son. This deeply personal closing track is a tender, haunting tribute to Steve’s late wife, Janine. Originally written for her memorial service, it’s a song filled with grace and love. You can hear the emotion in every note—the quiet heartbreak, the gratitude, the sense of release. It’s unlike anything Morse has ever recorded before. It’s not just the end of the album—it’s the sound of catharsis.
Executive producer Bill Evans called these “some of Steve’s best compositions”, and it’s hard to disagree. The album was recorded with stunning clarity by engineer Brian and mixed with meticulous care by Carl Roa, allowing every nuance to shine through. You can practically feel the wood of the fretboard, the resonance of the strings, and the interplay between every instrument.
Ultimately, Triangulation isn’t just a technical showcase—it’s an emotional journey. It captures the full spectrum of Morse’s genius: from breathtaking virtuosity to delicate melody, from resilience to reflection. It’s the sound of an artist reconnecting with life through his craft and, in doing so, creating something timeless.
Steve Morse has nothing left to prove, yet Triangulation proves everything about why he still matters. It’s more than a comeback—it’s a revelation. For anyone who believes instrumental music can move the soul as powerfully as words ever could, this album is essential listening.
Verdict: 10/10 – A triumphant, heartfelt, and genre-defying return from one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Something truly different and utterly unforgettable.
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