From the Frontiers Music website, "ARC OF LIFE's self-titled debut album was released on February 12, 2021. The concept behind the album was, in keeping with the Progressive Rock philosophy, to craft creative, challenging, and ear-pleasing music that pushes boundaries. A lot of musical comparisons could be made to describe their grandiose and epic approach to music on their debut, but those descriptions are best left to the listeners to discern for themselves as repeat listens will reveal more layers." They didn't comment on the new album, which has six songs.

"Real Time World" is the first. Smooth, mellow tones open the song, along with some noticeable bass notes and keys. The guitars are kept to a minimum, and Jon has a really high tenor voice, enabling him to soar when he wants to. Like a lot of Progressive Music, it takes a careful ear to follow the multiple paths they take along the ride. The title track is a little shorter, with a more linear sound. In this song, they just let the sultry and catchy tones ride out forever and a day. The sweet melodies are only bested by the charm of the music and the lyrical content. "Keep looking straight ahead" they advise. I hear just a tinge of CHICAGO in this song, especially from the vocal phrasing.

"All Things Considered" features another dreamy sound in the vocals, while Billy pounds away on the bass, providing some of the melody for the song. Correct me if I'm wrong, but are parts of this song written in 9/4? The bluesy guitar solo is deftly played as well. "Colors Come Alive" has some staccato strikes with calm legato notes underneath. This sweet little number is quite charming, and will tickle your Pop fancy as much as your Prog fancy. These tones also ride out for days, like you are taking a cruise down the Pacific Highway on a warm spring day, without a care in the world. "Let Live" is a livelier song where the bass is featured more. He moved in and around the melody line like a ball hawk waiting for the perfect time to steal the pass. The keyboard solo is fantastic as well.

The length "Arc of Life" closes the album; a near 18-minute opus. As with many long Progressive songs, it morphs several times throughout, going from some psychedelic tinged passages through smoother ones, and even heavier and darker ones at times. How they don't lose their way in a song of this length is amazing. I can't even fathom approaching the writing for a song like this. Overall, the phrasing of the music might be the most striking part of the album, and the band play with absolute confidence. You can tell this is a seasoned group of musicians, yet they put their all into this newer project, stopping only to smell the proverbial flowers along the way. I find that I often don't vibe with these kinds of projects...bands who have well-known members from bands of the past. But this is an exception.