“…NDV takes his album in a number of directions, so it’s hard to nail down. It’s not that it defies easy categorization, but the album amalgamates so many of D’Virgilio previous personalities that “eclectic” is the best word to describe it. The title track “Karma” is completely unlike your run-of-the-mill song, consisting entirely of exotic, polyrhythmic percussion and voice.

On this album, D’Virgilio does more than just hit stuff, though. He plays piano, keyboards, guitar, and bass throughout the record. He gets help along the way, too. Mike Keneally contributes some guitar, like on the rock & fusion opener “The River Is Wide.” Alan Morse from Spock’s Beard stops by to play cello on the powerfully melodic, richly epic “The Water’s Edge.” D’Virgilio also revives a song he wrote with Kevin Gilbert several years ago called “The Game.” NDV and Gilbert were close, and you can hear Gilbert‘s influence in a subtle way throughout the disc. The rock/pop balladry (“Come What May” and “Will It Be Me”) here is warm and beautiful, and I think one of the real tests of a songwriter is the ability to write emotionally affecting ballads. “Dream in Red” reveals a bit of a soul influence in a hooky song peppered with funky drumming. The band’s epic is the three-part suite “Paying the Price,” full of rockin’ riffs and a demonstration of D’Virgilio‘s intuitive lyrical abilities.

All that matters here is that Nick D’Virgilio is a phenomenally talented man. For those wondering about the sheer breadth of his ability, this is you best opportunity. If you’re not a Spock’s Beard fan, pick this up anyway. It offers something for everybody, and it’s by far one of the best albums of the year…”