Flying Colors - Discography -2012-2020- -eac-flac- -
For the discerning audiophile and the progressive rock connoisseur, few modern supergroups have delivered such a consistently rich and dynamically mastered catalog as Flying Colors. Formed in 2010, the quintet brought together titans from distinct corners of the rock universe: Mike Portnoy (ex-Dream Theater, Transatlantic) on drums, Dave LaRue (Dixie Dregs, Steve Morse Band) on bass, Neal Morse (Spock’s Beard, Transatlantic) on keyboards and vocals, Steve Morse (Deep Purple, Dixie Dregs) on guitar, and Casey McPherson (Alpha Rev, Endochine) as lead vocalist and guitarist. Their output from 2012 to 2020 represents a fascinating evolution from tightly-wound progressive pop to expansive, soul-bearing epics.
For collectors seeking the gold standard of digital audio, the Flying Colors – Discography – 2012-2020 – EAC-FLAC releases are the definitive editions. Ripped with Exact Audio Copy (EAC)—the benchmark software for secure CD ripping that ensures bit-perfect, error-free streams—these FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) files preserve every microsecond of the studio masters. Below is a deep dive into each major release from this period.
From the immediate, hook-laden rush of their 2012 debut to the sprawling, cathartic suites of Second Nature and the mature introspection of Third Degree, Flying Colors proved that supergroups can evolve. For the listener who demands to hear every cymbal shimmer, every bass harmonic, and every breath between vocal lines, the Flying Colors – Discography – 2012-2020 – EAC-FLAC collection is not merely a set of files—it is a masterclass in modern progressive rock preservation. Fire up your DAC, cue up "Cosmic Symphony," and listen to the difference that lossless audio makes.
Flying Colors – Discography (2012–2020): A Deep Dive into the Supergroup’s High-Fidelity Journey
In the world of progressive rock, the term "supergroup" is often thrown around, but few bands embody the spirit of collaborative genius like Flying Colors. Comprising virtuosos from the worlds of prog, metal, and pop, the band has spent nearly a decade crafting a sound that is as complex as it is catchy.
For audiophiles and collectors, the quest for the ultimate listening experience often leads to the EAC-FLAC (Exact Audio Copy - Free Lossless Audio Codec) format. This ensures a bit-perfect rip of the original CDs, capturing every nuance of the band’s intricate arrangements. Below, we explore the Flying Colors discography from 2012 to 2020, focusing on the studio releases that defined an era. The Lineup: A Perfect Storm
Before diving into the music, it’s essential to understand the pedigree involved: Casey McPherson: Vocals (Alpha Rev) Steve Morse: Guitar (Deep Purple, Dixie Dregs)
Neal Morse: Keyboards, Vocals (Spock’s Beard, Transatlantic) Dave LaRue: Bass (Dixie Dregs, Joe Satriani)
Mike Portnoy: Drums, Vocals (Dream Theater, The Winery Dogs) 1. Flying Colors (2012)
The self-titled debut was an experiment in "pop-prog." The goal was to combine old-school craftsmanship with contemporary songwriting.
The Sound: Produced by Peter Collins, the album balances short, radio-friendly tracks like "Kayla" and "The Storm" with the sprawling, 12-minute epic "Infinite Fire."
Why FLAC Matters: The layered vocal harmonies and Steve Morse’s crystalline guitar tones benefit immensely from a lossless format, preventing the "muddiness" often found in high-compression MP3s. 2. Second Nature (2014) Flying Colors - Discography -2012-2020- -EAC-FLAC-
If the debut was a blind date, Second Nature was a marriage. The band took more risks, leaning further into their progressive roots while maintaining their melodic sensibilities.
Key Tracks: "Mask Machine" provides a heavy, riff-driven punch, while "Cosmic Symphony" showcases the band's ability to weave multiple movements into a cohesive narrative.
The Production: This album features a more organic, dynamic range. Audiophiles seeking the EAC-FLAC version will notice the incredible separation between Dave LaRue’s intricate bass lines and Portnoy’s thunderous percussion. 3. Third Degree (2019)
After a five-year hiatus, the band returned with what many consider their most mature work. Third Degree refined the formula established in the previous two records.
The Highlights: "More" is a psychedelic journey with modern production, whereas "Love Letter" serves as a technicolor tribute to 60s/70s pop (think Beach Boys meets ELO). The closing track, "Crawl," is a masterclass in emotional buildup and payoff.
The Sonic Detail: By 2019, the band’s recording techniques had peaked. The EAC-FLAC rips of this album reveal a stunning soundstage, particularly in the delicate acoustic sections of "The Loss Inside."
The EAC-FLAC Standard: Why It’s the Gold Standard for Prog
For fans of Flying Colors, listening in standard streaming quality is like looking at a Da Vinci through a foggy window.
Exact Audio Copy (EAC): This software ensures that the data extracted from the CD is 100% accurate, correcting any read errors that standard rippers might ignore.
FLAC (Lossless): Unlike MP3s, which discard "unnecessary" audio data to save space, FLAC preserves every single bit. In progressive rock, where a song might have 50 different instruments or vocal layers, this clarity is vital.
Dynamic Range: Flying Colors albums are mastered to breathe. Lossless files preserve the peaks and valleys of the music, ensuring the loud sections hit hard without distorting, and the quiet sections remain whisper-quiet. Conclusion For the discerning audiophile and the progressive rock
The Flying Colors discography from 2012 to 2020 represents a rare moment in music history where five distinct egos merged into a single, harmonious voice. From the pop sensibilities of their debut to the grand architectural prog of Third Degree, they have provided a wealth of material for those who value musicianship and high-fidelity sound.
Whether you are a longtime fan or a newcomer, experiencing these albums in EAC-FLAC is the only way to truly appreciate the "Flying Colors" in their full spectrum.
These albums showcase the band's musical evolution and impressive musicianship, featuring a blend of progressive rock, metal, and pop elements.
Live in Europe is a live album and DVD, recorded during the band's European tour in 2014. Released on December 9, 2016, it features performances from various cities, showcasing the band's energetic live shows.
The self-titled debut album, released on September 18, 2012, marked the beginning of Flying Colors' journey. The album features eight tracks, including "Astounded," "White Moth," and "The Enigma."
EAC Log Notes: A clean 2012 pressing (Mascot Label Group) often provides a dynamic range (DR) score of 12-14, far superior to the brick-walled remasters of other prog contemporaries.
Those are often Scene releases — convenient, but:
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The Flying Colors discography from 2012 to 2020 includes three studio albums and three major live recordings. This "supergroup"—comprised of Casey McPherson, Steve Morse, Neal Morse, Dave LaRue, and Mike Portnoy—is known for blending technical virtuosity with accessible melodic rock. Studio Albums
Flying Colors (March 26, 2012): The band's self-titled debut featuring tracks like "Blue Ocean," "Kayla," and the 12-minute epic "Infinite Fire".
Second Nature (September 29, 2014): Their sophomore effort, which reached #4 on the Billboard Hard Rock chart and included the single "Mask Machine". From the immediate, hook-laden rush of their 2012
Third Degree (October 4, 2019): A well-received third installment featuring popular tracks "The Loss Inside" and "Last Train Home". Live Albums
Live in Europe (October 11, 2013): Captured during their first tour in Tilburg, Netherlands.
Second Flight: Live at the Z7 (November 13, 2015): Recorded at the Z7 Konzertfabrik in Switzerland.
Third Stage: Live in London (September 18, 2020): Their most recent major live release, recorded at the Shepherd's Bush Empire.
For those looking for high-fidelity audio versions, these releases are commonly available in FLAC and high-resolution formats on platforms like Qobuz and Bandcamp. Flying Colors - Spotify
This guide covers the discography and key historical context for the progressive rock supergroup Flying Colors between 2012 and 2020. This lineup features Mike Portnoy Steve Morse Neal Morse Dave LaRue Casey McPherson 💿 Studio Albums (2012–2020)
Between 2012 and 2020, Flying Colors released three studio albums, each known for blending virtuoso complexity with accessible pop-rock songwriting. Flying Colors (2012)
The debut album introduced the band’s "new-fashioned music the old-fashioned way" philosophy. Key Tracks: "Blue Ocean," "Kayla," "Infinite Fire".
Production: Produced by Peter Collins and executive producer Bill Evans. Release: March 26, 2012. Second Nature (2014)
Expanding on their debut, this record leaned slightly more into progressive structures, featuring the band's first self-production efforts.
Key Tracks: "Open Up Your Eyes," "Mask Machine," "Cosmic Symphony". Artwork: Designed by legendary artist Hugh Syme. Release: September 29, 2014. Third Degree (2019)
Their third studio effort arrived after a five-year hiatus, characterized by diverse styles ranging from psychedelic to emotional epics.
The 2012 debut, Flying Colors, was a risk. Mike Portnoy had just left Dream Theater, and the progressive metal world expected him to start a band that was heavier. Instead, they got a rainbow.
