The Neal Morse Band will release L.I.F.T; their latest album on the 27th February 2026. Ahead of that, and out now, is the first single, ‘Fully Alive’, from the album, alongside a video directed by Industrialism Films.
Together over a decade, the progressive rock band featuring Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy, Eric Gillette, Bill Hubauer, and Randy George wrote and recorded L.I.F.T. under what’s been described as “a period of major transition”, while comparisons are being made with their earlier concept album Similitude Of A Dream.
“In short, L.I.F.T. is a prog concept album that follows the journey of someone seeking to belong to something greater than themselves” Morse explained. “It starts with feeling connected to the world and life, then there is a break in belonging, after which comes the turmoil and desperate cry, leading to a return to that place of profound connection.”
“We thought it could stand for different things,” said George of the album’s title that arrived late in the recording and its acronym unexplained. “It’s kind of whatever the listener wants it to be.”
“We hardly used any of the ideas on the board,” he continued. “Most of it was written right there in the room, more so than in the past.” The exceptions being sketches by Hubauer and improvised piano pieces by Morse.
Engineered by longtime collaborator Jerry Guidroz, with all drum tracks recorded on-site before each member continued working individually from home studios, this change working with George commenting: “Hearing the final mixes, it all came together beautifully.” That role again fell to Rich Mouser, with George noting: “We just let him do his thing.”
L.I.F.T. will be available as a limited 2CD digipak (including instrumental versions), standard CD jewel case, gatefold 2LP with artwork by Thomas Ewerhard and as digital download – It can be ordered here.
Tracks featured on the album are: ‘Beginning’, ‘Fully Alive’, ‘I Still Belong’, ‘Gravity’s Grip’, ‘Hurt People’, ‘The Great Withdrawal’, ‘Contemplation’, ‘Shame About My Shame’, ‘Reaching’, ‘Carry You Again’, ‘Shattered Barricade’, Fully Alive Part 2’ and ‘Love All Along’.
