by Joseph Scotti
This side project of Kings X guitarist Ty Tabor has potential for greatness. Surrounded by stellar band members -- Rod Morgenstein (former Dregs drummer), Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater keyboardist) and John Myung (Dream Theater bassist) -- this debut effort rocks. Combining elements of the Beatles, Kansas, Deep Purple and the Dregs, Platypus puts forth some of the most satisfying melodic rock to come out in a long while. Tracks such as &Standing in Line,& &Rock Balls/Destination Unknown,& &Platt Opus& and &Willie Brown& will satisfy the fusion rock purists. &I'm With You,& &Nothing to Say& and &Bye Bye& are tasty ballads. Platypus is a talented band that surely won't become extinct for some time.