Neal Morse Band has announced the release of their fifth studio album, ‘L.I.F.T.’ The announcement was shared on Inside Out Music. The album is set for release on February 27th, 2026, and marks the return of the progressive rock supergroup featuring Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy, Eric Gillette, Bill Hubauer, and Randy George.
The band has already launched the first single from the album. A music video for ‘Fully Alive’ is now available on YouTube, directed by Industrialism Films.
Neal Morse described the album’s concept and themes in a statement about the project. “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,” he said. “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.”
This marks a significant moment for Neal Morse Band, as ‘L.I.F.T.’ represents their first new music in five years. The album showcases a unique creative approach that sets it apart from their previous work. The band employed a largely spontaneous writing process during studio sessions, with much of the music created in the studio rather than pre-composed. This approach allowed for a more organic and collaborative development of the material.
The result is a 13-track concept album featuring songs with titles such as “I Still Belong,” “Gravity’s Grip,” and “Love All Along,” alongside the lead single “Fully Alive.” Radiant Records notes that ‘L.I.F.T.’ will be available in multiple formats to cater to different listener preferences.
According to InsideOut Music’s Bandcamp, the album will be released as a limited edition 2CD digipak with instrumental versions, standard CD, gatefold 2LP vinyl, and digital download. This variety of formats reflects the band’s commitment to reaching fans across different mediums.
Louder Sound reports that ‘L.I.F.T.’ is considered on par with Neal Morse Band’s acclaimed concept album ‘Similitude of a Dream.’ The album blends emotional depth with progressive rock grandeur. The title itself is intentionally vague and open to personal interpretation by listeners, reflecting themes of elevation and transcendence that resonate throughout the album’s narrative arc.
With the February 27th, 2026 release date approaching, ‘L.I.F.T.’ promises to be a highly anticipated addition to the progressive rock landscape. The album continues Neal Morse Band’s legacy of creating ambitious, emotionally resonant concept albums.
