Neal Morse on No Hill for a Climber: Crafting Cinematic Prog Epics and Finding Faith in Music
In this latest episode of the Now Spinning Magazine Podcast, I had the immense pleasure of speaking with Neal Morse, a legendary figure in progressive rock. Neal’s new album, No Hill for a Climber, is out now and his most expansive and spiritually uplifting works yet.
With its epic compositions and deeply resonant themes, this album exemplifies why Neal continues to be a guiding light in the prog rock world. Here’s what we learned during our inspiring conversation.
The album’s title comes from a line in Barbara Kingsolver’s novel Demon Copperhead. Neal explained how the phrase struck him during a flight to Colorado, inspiring not just the title track but the thematic direction of the entire album.
“While walking up and down the airplane aisle, I was humming the melody,” Neal shared. “By the time I sat down, I could already hear the orchestra in my head.” That spark evolved into the album’s nearly 30-minute title track, which Neal describes as a spiritual journey woven with light, darkness, and redemption. At nearly 30 minutes, the title track is a true prog epic. From its Eastern-inspired riffs to its jazz-rock interludes, the piece takes listeners through a kaleidoscope of emotions and genres. Lyrically, Neal and co-writer Chris Riley explore themes of ego, doubt, and finding faith, creating a deeply cinematic experience. “It’s a spiritual journey,” Neal said. “All great prog pieces are in some way.” For Neal, this kind of storytelling feels natural within the context of progressive rock, a genre uniquely suited to exploring life’s biggest questions.
Key Tracks and Their Stories
“All the Rage”: A commentary on ego and the fleeting nature of fame, this track reflects on how external validation often leaves us unfulfilled. As Neal put it, “You can be all the rage, but it won’t turn the page for your soul.”
“Thief”: Neal’s personal favorite, this track traverses multiple styles—from hip-hop grooves to an intense middle section—without ever feeling disjointed. “It’s like nothing I’ve ever done before,” Neal said.
“Ever Interceding”: A deeply spiritual track, this one features powerhouse vocals from Johnny Basaha. Neal described it as a miracle song, both in its creation and the emotional resonance it delivers.
“The Eternity in Your Eyes”: At 22 minutes, the album’s other major epic features contributions from the entire band, showcasing intricate time changes and stunning instrumental interplay.
Faith has been a cornerstone of Neal’s music for years, and this album is no exception. We discussed how his spiritual journey began and how it has shaped his creative process.
“Prog rock allows me to write about the deepest things,” Neal said. “It’s not just music—it’s a journey for the soul.” The uplifting nature of No Hill for a Climber resonates with listeners on multiple levels, providing a much-needed beacon of light in today’s chaotic world.
“I love the unexpected,” Neal said. “Sometimes, the best moments come from just letting the music guide you.”
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
