by Joseph ScottiThis 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.