Jason Stein and Adam Shead’s ‘Synaptic Atlas’ is not at all about notes and charts but rather, making a metaphysical connection and exchange through their instruments.

Blue Oyster Cult’s ‘The Symbol Remains’ ought to give old rock fans a bit of relief from the new normal, whatever that is.

“To Ascend” seems half-heartedly arranged and uninspired. Despite a promising start, this became a common theme for Yes’ ‘Heaven and Earth.’

If you like your genres mixed and mashed, ‘I Am Panda’ by Chiminyo – a.k.a. Tim Doyle – is a good place to start.

Crank it to the max and support San Francisco-area songwriter Richard Turgeon’s hope and vision for a better day for all of us.

This is another keyboard-heavy ‘Twenty 1’ track with histrionic vocals and by-the-book guitar solos that will never remind anyone of the real Chicago.

At times, Amaranthe’s ‘Manifest’ is so poppy that I feel almost embarrassed to crank it up, but then it swings around and punches you square in the face.

For the devoted fan, Joe Banks’ book will be dissected, ingested, and enjoyed in equal play time as all the great Hawkwind albums.

Unfortunately, “No End in Sight” – and a short tacked-on import bonus jam – is the last we will ever hear of this edition of Toto.

Tower of Power’s outstanding ‘Step Up’ harkens back to the best of the band’s past while still being contemporary.