For Neal Morse, the idea of collaboration has always been a vital part of his creative DNA, and on No Hill For A Climber, he’s made the daring decision to work with a new generation of players. This new lineup, dubbed The Resonance, brings a blast of youthful energy to Morse’s progressive rock world, shaping an album that blends classic prog elements with an invigorating new edge. Inspired by a line from Barbara Kingsolver’s Pulitzer-winning novel Demon Copperhead, No Hill For A Climber builds on Morse’s signature sound while reaching into unfamiliar areas.

Morse credits his wife with sparking the idea of working with younger musicians from their local scene, guys he’d jammed with in holiday concerts and smaller events. The lineup includes guitarist Chris Riley, bassist Andre Madatian, and drummer Philip Martin, each bringing their own twist to Morse’s seasoned approach. “These guys brought a lot to the table,” Morse shares. “There’s a freshness that comes from working with new and younger people. They introduced musical ideas that would NEVER have occurred to me.”

True to form, the album is built around two expansive prog epics: the 28-minute title track, “No Hill For A Climber,” and “Eternity In Your Eyes,” clocking in at 22 minutes. These tracks are journeys in themselves, balancing intricate musical storytelling with lyrical introspection. Morse compares the structure of No Hill For A Climber to his past albums like Bridge Across Forever or Spock’s Beard’s V, but he’s quick to clarify that this album has its own distinct personality. “It’s not that it sounds like those albums; it’s just structurally similar,” Morse explains. “Everyone you work with changes you a little bit, so even I sound a little different on this one.”

Beyond the epics, No Hill For A Climber offers three shorter tracks, each adding their own dynamics to the album’s flow. Morse’s new friends bring a diversity of influences, creating soundscapes and textures that feel both progressive and current. With the help of the Resonance he discovers new musical horizons, bridging generational gaps and proving that in the realm of prog rock, there’s always another hill worth climbing.