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All posts for the month March, 2017

New Procol Harum Album For 2017.

Posted by Prog Archives on March 31, 2017
Posted in: News.
This news story was originally published here: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ProgNewsProgarchives/~3/4yGGf713CuE/forum_posts.asp

January 31, 2017 

PROCOL HARUM To Release First New Studio Album In 14 Years

The brand new studio album “Novum” (on CD and 2LP) by PROCOL HARUM will be released on April 21 via Eagle Records. The band’s first studio album in fourteen years, and thirteenth overall, follows 2003’s “The Well’s On Fire”. “Novum” is released as the band celebrates its 50th anniversary, while also undertaking a European tour. The album release is preceded by that of the single “Sunday Morning” on April 7.

Half a century ago, powered by the huge and ongoing success of their debut single “A Whiter Shade Of Pale”, PROCOL HARUM went on to help define the progressive rock genre while at the same time embracing their roots in blues and soul. “A Whiter Shade Of Pale” continues to be one of the best-selling singles of all time. The cover artwork of “Novum” by Julia Brown references elements of the sleeve of that album — the band’s eponymous debut album in 1967.

PROCOL HARUM has been an evolving musical force from the first performance in ’67, but always led by founding member, singer, pianist and composer Gary Brooker. Most of today’s lineup has been playing together since the early ’90s and it includes bassist Matt Pegg (JETHRO TULL, Ian Brown), drummer Geoff Dunn (Jimmy Page, Dave Stewart, Van Morrison), guitarist Geoff Whitehorn (Roger Chapman, Paul Rodgers, Roger Daltrey) and Hammond organ player Josh Phillips (Pete Townsend and Midge Ure), but to all their fans, they are the real PROCOL HARUM.

“Our last studio album was in 2003, and with 2017 being 50 years of PROCOL HARUM, something special was needed, which has resulted in a new album of new songs with the band as we’ve stood for the past decade, all contributing with producer Dennis Weinreich to make what I believe to be one of the finest PROCOL HARUM albums ever — ‘Novum’ — just listen,” states Gary Brooker, with most songs featuring words by Pete Brown, most famous for his songwriting collaboration with the members of CREAM. This has given a different feel to the songs, retaining the thought provoking content for which the band has always been known but with a different slant and elements of humor.

“Novum” marks not only an incredible fifty years of amazing music, but also the next step for this seminal band. This long-awaited collection of brand new songs is sure to be welcomed by PROCOL HARUM‘s devoted fanbase.

“Novum” track listing:

01. I Told On You
02. Last Chance Motel 
03. Image Of The Beast 
04. Soldier 
05. Don’t Get Caught 
06. Neighbour 
07. Sunday Morning 
08. Businessman 
09. Can’t Say That 
10. The Only One 
11. Somewhen

procolharumnovumcd

Edited by SteveG – 8 hours 33 minutes ago at 14:35

“Progotronics 2″ Out Now; “Progotronics 3″ Out on April 28

Posted by Prog Sphere on March 31, 2017
Posted in: ProgSphere. Tagged: .
This news story was originally published here: http://www.prog-sphere.com/compilations/progotronics-2-out-now/
Progotronics 2 compilation

The wait is over! Progotronics 2 digital compilation compiled by Prog Sphere is out now, and can be downloaded or streamed from Bandcamp for free.

The new sampler includes 16 songs, one more than the Progotronics 1 compilation which was released back in February. The previous sampler was more focused on the Progressive Metal genre with a few exceptions. On Progotronics 2 Progressive Metal is present, but the new compilation is more diverse stylistically, with songs ranging from Psychedelic / Progressive Rock, Post-Rock, RPI to Jazz Fusion. We are sure that everyone will find something interesting, and discover something new and to your taste.

Below you can find the full track listing of the Progotronics 2 sampler, with links to the artists’ web and social pages, so make sure to click, check and follow them, because they do need any kind of support.

The next compilation, Progotronics 3, will be released on April 28th. Having said that, we are currently accepting your submissions for that chapter, so if you want to get in touch and submit your work send us an email. Download Progotronics 2 from here.

Progotronics 2 Track Listing:

1. Scars Divide – Sons of Terminator (Part I & II) [Facebook, Bandcamp]
2. Sleeping in Traffic – Listen Up! [Facebook, Bandcamp]
3. Septa – 11th: Omen [Facebook, Bandcamp]
4. Epic Mind – The Voyage [Facebook, Bandcamp]
5. Hyaena – The Only Constant [Facebook, Bandcamp]
6. Auracle – King Citrus [Bandcamp]
7. CGSW – Ritual [Bandcamp]
8. Nahima – Au Souffle Du Vent [Facebook, Bandcamp]
9. Andre LaFosse – Show Me The Longest Route Home [Bandcamp]
10. Daughters of Kilimanjaro – Kilimanjaro [Facebook, Bandcamp]
11. Teller Ulam – El Primer Paso [Facebook, Bandcamp]
12. Hoverflo – Plane Mane [Facebook, Bandcamp]
13. ENINE – Lost Seabird [Bandcamp]
14. zagwuan – Un Día Como Hoy [Facebook, Bandcamp]
15. Space Juice – Stole Me [Facebook, Bandcamp]
16. Kylver – The Feast of the Mountain Ghost [Facebook, Bandcamp]

“Progotronics 2″ Out Now; “Progotronics 3″ Out on April 28

Posted by Prog Sphere on March 31, 2017
Posted in: ProgSphere. Tagged: .
This news story was originally published here: https://www.prog-sphere.com/compilations/progotronics-2-out-now/
Progotronics 2 compilation

The wait is over! Progotronics 2 digital compilation compiled by Prog Sphere is out now, and can be downloaded or streamed from Bandcamp for free.

The new sampler includes 16 songs, one more than the Progotronics 1 compilation which was released back in February. The previous sampler was more focused on the Progressive Metal genre with a few exceptions. On Progotronics 2 Progressive Metal is present, but the new compilation is more diverse stylistically, with songs ranging from Psychedelic / Progressive Rock, Post-Rock, RPI to Jazz Fusion. We are sure that everyone will find something interesting, and discover something new and to your taste.

Below you can find the full track listing of the Progotronics 2 sampler, with links to the artists’ web and social pages, so make sure to click, check and follow them, because they do need any kind of support.

The next compilation, Progotronics 3, will be released on April 28th. Having said that, we are currently accepting your submissions for that chapter, so if you want to get in touch and submit your work send us an email. Download Progotronics 2 from here.

Progotronics 2 Track Listing:

1. Scars Divide – Sons of Terminator (Part I & II) [Facebook, Bandcamp]
2. Sleeping in Traffic – Listen Up! [Facebook, Bandcamp]
3. Septa – 11th: Omen [Facebook, Bandcamp]
4. Epic Mind – The Voyage [Facebook, Bandcamp]
5. Hyaena – The Only Constant [Facebook, Bandcamp]
6. Auracle – King Citrus [Bandcamp]
7. CGSW – Ritual [Bandcamp]
8. Nahima – Au Souffle Du Vent [Facebook, Bandcamp]
9. Andre LaFosse – Show Me The Longest Route Home [Bandcamp]
10. Daughters of Kilimanjaro – Kilimanjaro [Facebook, Bandcamp]
11. Teller Ulam – El Primer Paso [Facebook, Bandcamp]
12. Hoverflo – Plane Mane [Facebook, Bandcamp]
13. ENINE – Lost Seabird [Bandcamp]
14. zagwuan – Un Día Como Hoy [Facebook, Bandcamp]
15. Space Juice – Stole Me [Facebook, Bandcamp]
16. Kylver – The Feast of the Mountain Ghost [Facebook, Bandcamp]

EP Review: Event Horizon – A Nightmare of Symmetry

Posted by Prog Sphere on March 31, 2017
Posted in: ProgSphere. Tagged: .
This news story was originally published here: http://www.prog-sphere.com/reviews/event-horizon-a-nightmare-of-symmetry-review/
A Nightmare of Symmetry

Event Horizon is a progressive death metal band from Los Angeles, founded by guitarist and composer Max Sindermann. 2013 brought the release of a debut EP The Emancipation of Dissonance. The EP was fully written by Sindermann, with the help of vocalist Brandon Leigh.

Event Horizon returned this February with the release of sophomore EP titled A Nightmare of Symmetry. This time in a full band line-up comprised of Sindermann as guitarist and singer, guitarist David Cortes, bassist Vincent Medina and drummer Jacob Alves, the quartet has made a step further in what was the original mission of the band: creating progressive death metal with tons of classical influences. It has to be mentioned that Sindermann is trained in classical music, so that also speaks about the influences that can be heard in the music.

A Nightmare of Symmetry showcases more complex riffs and more originality due to the fact that the band is made of entirely permanent members. Many of Event Horizon‘s songs here enter incredibly melodic acoustic passages and give the listener a break from the huge metal riffs that pound eardrums. Sindermann screams intense, powerful metal growls and still shows his ability to sing clean, beautiful vocals when needed. Jacob Alves never falls into the metal stereotype of relying on double bass. While he does kick the double bass sixteenth in the climatic moments, he knows how to make a great metal drum feel without it. However, he and Vincent Medina serve as background and an undercurrent for the guitar riffing, which is nearly always the instrumental theme.

Event Horizon

As far as the death metal section of the Event Horizon formula goes, the riffing is original, powerful, and tight. Often, the bass will follow the guitar riff if it isn’t a chordal riff. Lead guitar parts harmonize and create an extremely evil and dissonant aura about them. The harmonizations are mixed much better and often sit on top of the guitar riff, not heard unless the listener tries to find them. Typically, Event Horizon allows the riff to be heard by itself for a few repetitions with the lead guitar soloing before Sindermann enters with his powerful metal growling. When it is time for a full out guitar solo, whoever is soloing lets all hell break loose. He covers the entire fretboard and plays tastefully. Unlike so many metal guitarists, both guitars know how to make an enjoyable solo rather than playing as many notes as possible within 3 seconds. They usually extend the color tones (3rd, 7th, 9th, etc) of the chords and create jazzy melodies, or as close to a jazzy melody that a death metal band can get.

The melodic acoustic side of Event Horizon is in some ways better than their metal sound. The guitar patterns, again, are the instrumental theme, but the bass often creates a hidden countermelody with the guitar. Vincent Medina makes a much better bassist in this style than the metal, holding his own melodies and never succumbing to the guitar lines. Sindermann sings beautifully, and if Event Horizon produced an album entirely made of these dark, brooding acoustic passages, he would never be expected to be able to scream, let alone scream well. His tone is dark, warm, and round, like the perfect euphonium or tuba sound. The chord progressions are often dissonant and dark. The passages are reminiscent of riding horseback in a dark, quiet night.

Putting these two formulas together creates a full, epic release that sets the stage for the follow up and breakthrough album. There are no long songs on A Nightmare of Symmetry; two tracks clock around two minutes, and three songs are between 5 and 8-minute marks. Each song comes with a new energy and aura about them. Song formats never follow anything typical, and listening for the first time is often mind-blowing because of the unexpected climaxes, transitions, and virtuosity in every second of the EP. The acoustic passages make a much larger appearance on the record, being mostly the entire song in opening “Assymetrical” and “The Light That Carries Me.” Prog Death Metal mini-epic “Beyond the Fourth Wall” opens with a series of riffs, just to be intersected with another acoustic passage in the verse, followed with the opening melody.

“The Red Waltz” comes as yet another acoustic interlude. “First World Phenomenon” builds up to a sweet metallic end, but it has extremely gripping vocal lines, especially the chorus.

A Nightmare of Symmetry has a potential to put Event Horizon in the direction of becoming one of the greatest metal bands  in the coming years. My recommendation would be to treat the EP as a single unit, under which circumstances it plays best, although individual songs can be satisfying. Each time I listen there is something new to discover — all in all, a story worth rereading.

Tracklist:

1. Asymmetrical
2. The Light That Carries Me
3. Beyond the Fourth Wall
4. The Red Waltz
5. First World Phenomenon

Line-up:

* Max Sindermann – guitars/vocals
* David Cortes – guitars
* Vincent Medina – bass
* Jacob Alves – drums

Links:

eventhorizonmusic.com

Bandcamp

Facebook

Twitter

EP Review: Event Horizon – A Nightmare of Symmetry

Posted by Prog Sphere on March 31, 2017
Posted in: ProgSphere. Tagged: .
This news story was originally published here: https://www.prog-sphere.com/reviews/event-horizon-a-nightmare-of-symmetry-review/
A Nightmare of Symmetry

Event Horizon is a progressive death metal band from Los Angeles, founded by guitarist and composer Max Sindermann. 2013 brought the release of a debut EP The Emancipation of Dissonance. The EP was fully written by Sindermann, with the help of vocalist Brandon Leigh.

Event Horizon returned this February with the release of sophomore EP titled A Nightmare of Symmetry. This time in a full band line-up comprised of Sindermann as guitarist and singer, guitarist David Cortes, bassist Vincent Medina and drummer Jacob Alves, the quartet has made a step further in what was the original mission of the band: creating progressive death metal with tons of classical influences. It has to be mentioned that Sindermann is trained in classical music, so that also speaks about the influences that can be heard in the music.

A Nightmare of Symmetry showcases more complex riffs and more originality due to the fact that the band is made of entirely permanent members. Many of Event Horizon‘s songs here enter incredibly melodic acoustic passages and give the listener a break from the huge metal riffs that pound eardrums. Sindermann screams intense, powerful metal growls and still shows his ability to sing clean, beautiful vocals when needed. Jacob Alves never falls into the metal stereotype of relying on double bass. While he does kick the double bass sixteenth in the climatic moments, he knows how to make a great metal drum feel without it. However, he and Vincent Medina serve as background and an undercurrent for the guitar riffing, which is nearly always the instrumental theme.

Event Horizon

As far as the death metal section of the Event Horizon formula goes, the riffing is original, powerful, and tight. Often, the bass will follow the guitar riff if it isn’t a chordal riff. Lead guitar parts harmonize and create an extremely evil and dissonant aura about them. The harmonizations are mixed much better and often sit on top of the guitar riff, not heard unless the listener tries to find them. Typically, Event Horizon allows the riff to be heard by itself for a few repetitions with the lead guitar soloing before Sindermann enters with his powerful metal growling. When it is time for a full out guitar solo, whoever is soloing lets all hell break loose. He covers the entire fretboard and plays tastefully. Unlike so many metal guitarists, both guitars know how to make an enjoyable solo rather than playing as many notes as possible within 3 seconds. They usually extend the color tones (3rd, 7th, 9th, etc) of the chords and create jazzy melodies, or as close to a jazzy melody that a death metal band can get.

The melodic acoustic side of Event Horizon is in some ways better than their metal sound. The guitar patterns, again, are the instrumental theme, but the bass often creates a hidden countermelody with the guitar. Vincent Medina makes a much better bassist in this style than the metal, holding his own melodies and never succumbing to the guitar lines. Sindermann sings beautifully, and if Event Horizon produced an album entirely made of these dark, brooding acoustic passages, he would never be expected to be able to scream, let alone scream well. His tone is dark, warm, and round, like the perfect euphonium or tuba sound. The chord progressions are often dissonant and dark. The passages are reminiscent of riding horseback in a dark, quiet night.

Putting these two formulas together creates a full, epic release that sets the stage for the follow up and breakthrough album. There are no long songs on A Nightmare of Symmetry; two tracks clock around two minutes, and three songs are between 5 and 8-minute marks. Each song comes with a new energy and aura about them. Song formats never follow anything typical, and listening for the first time is often mind-blowing because of the unexpected climaxes, transitions, and virtuosity in every second of the EP. The acoustic passages make a much larger appearance on the record, being mostly the entire song in opening “Assymetrical” and “The Light That Carries Me.” Prog Death Metal mini-epic “Beyond the Fourth Wall” opens with a series of riffs, just to be intersected with another acoustic passage in the verse, followed with the opening melody.

“The Red Waltz” comes as yet another acoustic interlude. “First World Phenomenon” builds up to a sweet metallic end, but it has extremely gripping vocal lines, especially the chorus.

A Nightmare of Symmetry has a potential to put Event Horizon in the direction of becoming one of the greatest metal bands  in the coming years. My recommendation would be to treat the EP as a single unit, under which circumstances it plays best, although individual songs can be satisfying. Each time I listen there is something new to discover — all in all, a story worth rereading.

Tracklist:

1. Asymmetrical
2. The Light That Carries Me
3. Beyond the Fourth Wall
4. The Red Waltz
5. First World Phenomenon

Line-up:

* Max Sindermann – guitars/vocals
* David Cortes – guitars
* Vincent Medina – bass
* Jacob Alves – drums

Links:

eventhorizonmusic.com

Bandcamp

Facebook

Twitter

RUSH: Limited Edition of “Cygnus X-1″ Single Available on Record Store Day

Posted by Prog Sphere on March 31, 2017
Posted in: ProgSphere. Tagged: .
This news story was originally published here: https://www.prog-sphere.com/news/rush-cygnus-x-1-limited-edition-record-store-day/
Rush

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Rush‘s sixth studio album, A Farewell To Kings. To kick-start the celebration, on April 22, UMe/Anthem/ole will release a limited-edition, 12-inch single for ”Cygnus X-1″ as an exclusive for Record Store Day, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

Featuring “Book I: The Voyage” and ”Book II: Hemispheres,” this is the first time these tracks will be released as a single and the pressing will be limited to only 5000 copies. ”Cygnus X-1″ is pressed on 180-gram vinyl and features brand new artwork by Hugh Syme, Rush‘s longtime artwork and creative director.

Side A:

Cygnus X-1 – Book I: The Voyage

Side B:

Cygnus X-1 – Book II: Hemispheres

Released in 1977, A Farewell To Kings is the studio follow-up to 2112 and is a continuation of RUSH‘s musical growth, as they continued to push traditional rock boundaries and explore new ground, both musically and lyrically. Recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales, A Farewell To Kings was the band’s first U.S gold-selling album, receiving the certification within two months of its release, and was later certified platinum.

Rush - Cygnus X-1

[embedded content]

RUSH: Limited Edition of “Cygnus X-1″ Single Available on Record Store Day

Posted by Prog Sphere on March 31, 2017
Posted in: ProgSphere. Tagged: .
This news story was originally published here: http://www.prog-sphere.com/news/rush-cygnus-x-1-limited-edition-record-store-day/
Rush

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Rush‘s sixth studio album, A Farewell To Kings. To kick-start the celebration, on April 22, UMe/Anthem/ole will release a limited-edition, 12-inch single for ”Cygnus X-1″ as an exclusive for Record Store Day, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

Featuring “Book I: The Voyage” and ”Book II: Hemispheres,” this is the first time these tracks will be released as a single and the pressing will be limited to only 5000 copies. ”Cygnus X-1″ is pressed on 180-gram vinyl and features brand new artwork by Hugh Syme, Rush‘s longtime artwork and creative director.

Side A:

Cygnus X-1 – Book I: The Voyage

Side B:

Cygnus X-1 – Book II: Hemispheres

Released in 1977, A Farewell To Kings is the studio follow-up to 2112 and is a continuation of RUSH‘s musical growth, as they continued to push traditional rock boundaries and explore new ground, both musically and lyrically. Recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales, A Farewell To Kings was the band’s first U.S gold-selling album, receiving the certification within two months of its release, and was later certified platinum.

Rush - Cygnus X-1

[embedded content]

H.R.H. PROG V – Day One

Posted by on March 30, 2017
Posted in: The Progressive Aspect. Tagged: .
This news story was originally published here: http://theprogressiveaspect.net/blog/2017/03/30/h-r-h-prog-v-day-one/

Hafan Y Mor, Nr. Pwllheli, North Wales
16th – 18th March 2017

Part One

(We do this so you don’t have to…)

There is a mysterious enclosed community hidden away somewhere on the North Wales coast where all sorts of dissidents and peculiar people are apparently detained, presumably for the benefit of wider society… and nearby there is also Portmeirion, the fascinating location of ‘The Village’ where the cult classic ’60s T.V. programme The Prisoner was filmed. Any coincidence between these places is probably coincidental but one cannot help thinking there may be a connection at times as a wide range of rock fans converge on this remote venue, some wearing appropriately psychedelic garb and clearly intent on becoming significantly ‘refreshed’. HRH Prog V was by far the largest manifestation of this annual event, with 2 stages, one in a substantial auditorium holding many, many more than the more modest settings of previous events. An eclectic mix of artists, ranging from top line Progressive rock acts and their more recent successors to veteran heritage rock bands, found their way to this remote location. Clearly, NOT all ‘Prog’ bands (whatever that means!) but clearly an attractive proposition for the thousands of fans that pack out the venues to a remarkable extent. These must be some of the largest crowds many of these Prog bands have ever played to, and if many came to see the classic rock of Wishbone Ash and the Stoner rock of Hawkwind and whilst there they also discovered less known Progressive bands that has to be a good thing.

THURSDAY

‘Better than most Thursdays…’

The HRH Prog ‘Pre-Party’ kicked off the weekend in grand style and probably had the most entertaining and eclectic range of artists of any evening of the whole event, all appearing on Stage One.

JUMP
Veteran Prog band Jump, with local connections through their engaging and amusing front man, John Dexter Jones, opened the proceedings in impressive style. Their set was dominated by their fine recent album Over the Top, with songs filled with fascinating stories and hook laden choruses with hints of folk. Ronnie Rundle shone on guitar, particularly on 50, a song which applied to many in the ‘mature’ audience! The finale of Johnny V, an elegiac but uplifting song about a local celebrity who died prematurely, was a personal and impactful climax to a fine opening gig, dedicated ‘In memory of those that bought the records’.

Jump at HRH Prog 5, photo by Leo Trimming

Jump at HRH Prog 5, photo by Leo TrimmingJump at HRH Prog 5, photo by Leo Trimming

Setlist
Old Gods
Breaking Point
Bethesda
End of Days
The Wreck of the Saint Marie
50
Johnny V

Musicians
John Dexter Jones – Lead Vocals
Steve ‘Ronnie’ Rundle – Electric & Acoustic Guitars, Vocals
Steve Hayes – Electric & Acoustic Guitars, Backing Vocals
Mark Pittam – Bass
Mo – Keyboards, Accordion, Backing Vocals
Andy Barker – Drums, Backing Vocals

LINKS
Jump – Website | Facebook | Bandcamp

THE ENID
This week The Enid consisted of a trio, and some were calling them ‘Threenid’. There are NO guarantees as to how many will be in the band by next week in the ever changing and bizarre world of this idiosyncratic entity!

Devoid of any original band members for this performance, this young trio showed a new and different direction. No more ‘West End’ style vocal dexterity from the now departed Joe Payne, whom delighted some and alienated others more fond of the band’s more orchestral instrumental past. This latest manifestation of The Enid has much more focus on instrumental passages, which is probably just as well as keyboardist Zachary Bullock frankly struggled vocally on Space Surfing. Thankfully, the singing improved as the gig built up momentum, largely through applying a choral and Vocoder effect to the mike. However, the focus of this show was much more on the music than the voice. The Enid’s confidence grew with an interesting combination of darkly and richly textured rock, electronic and orchestral instrumental work. They weaved quite an entrancing spell full of drama and darkness, with guitarist Jason Ducker to the fore.

What would HRH Prog be without The Enid? This is their fifth consecutive appearance at the festival (maybe next year HRH should give another band a chance!!!?). Nevertheless, they ensure that this is no carbon copy performance as they are effectively ‘re-born’ tonight. Fascinating and distinctive progressive material which bodes well for the future, with new album Resurgency in the works. Let’s just hope they do not fall victim to the ‘revolving door syndrome’ that has characterized the band in recent years!

The Enid at HRH Prog 5, photo by Leo TrimmingThe Enid at HRH Prog 5, photo by Leo Trimming

Setlist
Terra Firma
Space Surfing
Malacandra
Leviticus
Born in the Fire
Who Created Me
Witch Hunt

Musicians
Zachary Bullock – Vocals & Keyboards
Jason Ducker – Guitars
Domonic Toefield – Drums

LINKS
The Enid – Website | Facebook

PENDRAGON

Pendragon at HRH Prog 5, photo by Leo TrimmingThis was a simply marvellous show from these veterans, who delight the packed crowd with a set of classic ‘Prog’ illuminated with stellar guitar amidst a magnificent wave of keyboards from Clive Nolan, particularly on Paintbox. To celebrate the album’s 21st Anniversary, Pendragon commence their set with a trio of great songs from their classic Masquerade Overture, with the epic grandeur of Master of Illusion setting the crowd alight. The band are supported by two female backing vocalists who add power and colour to the vocals, and particularly shine on rare song The King of the Castle. Beautiful Soul and Faces of Light from most recent album Men who Climb Mountains follow, and take on a new life on the stage. Stargazing is simply joyous with the crowd singing along, before Nick Barrett injects some social commentary on This Green and Pleasant Land with the refrain “Take only what you need and be on your way”.

Barrett is simply wonderful on guitar throughout, particularly the brilliant Breaking the Spell, and the whole band was clearly feeding off the response of a very large crowd who were clearly ‘up for it’. Indigo from one of their best albums, Pure finishes a triumphant set in fine style. A fabulous gig to underline the class of a band that clearly thrives in a live setting.

Pendragon at HRH Prog 5, photo by Leo TrimmingPendragon at HRH Prog 5, photo by Leo Trimming

Setlist
As Good as Gold
Paintbox
Master of Illusion
The King of the Castle
Beautiful Soul
Faces of Light
Stargazing
This Green and Pleasant Land
Breaking the Spell
Indigo

Musicians
Nick Barrett – Guitars, Vocals
Peter Gee – Bass
Clive Nolan – Keyboards, Vocals
Jan-Vincent Velazco – Drums

LINKS
Pendragon – Website | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Bandcamp

GONG

WOW! Just WOW.

I did not know what to expect from Gong but these psychedelic masters lobotomize the packed HRH crowd with a spectacular performance that dazzled and bewildered. Since the sad death of Daevid Allen in 2015 the torch has been handed on to Kavus Torabi (also of Knifeworld), colourfully and skillfully supported by Fabio Golfetti on guitar, Dave Sturt on bass, Cheb Nettles on drums and Ian East on sax and flute. Drawing on their 2016 album Rejoice! I’m Dead! with Kapital, The Unspeakable Stands Revealed and Rejoice!, Gong proceed to blow away any reservations in the crowd with a spellbinding show of mind bending colours and absorbing music. I knew virtually nothing about their music and knew none of their songs… but it’s an indication of the entrancing quality of this gig that my ignorance of their material did not seem to matter one iota.

Gong at HRH Prog 5, photo by Leo Trimming

In Kavus Torabi Gong have found a worthy successor to Allen, with a charming eccentricity and also stylish guitar. His quirky comments included an observation that “Men are Green and Women are Blue” which mystified most until he urged us to “look with your own eyes”… at the back of the auditorium where the toilet signs were indeed of those colours! It’s an indication that Kavus Torabi and his gang just have that ability to turn a rather mundane setting in a holiday camp into some sort of blissed out Planet as they led us all off into space with a powerful set, including I Never Glid Before from their classic album from 1973, Angel’s Egg. In a set glittering with delightful, dreamy visual imagery and enchanting sounds the undoubted highlight was the relentless drive of Master Builder, all the way back from 1974’s You, which never seemed like it was going to stop – staggering stuff indeed.

Gong at HRH Prog 5, photo by Leo TrimmingGong at HRH Prog 5, photo by Leo Trimming

Kavus Torabi observed that this was quite a gig and suggested that it was “Better than most Thursdays” – oh, yes indeed, Kavus, most definitely!

I didn’t know any Gong – it didn’t matter… remarkable show

Mind Blown!

Thursdays aren’t usually this good.

Setlist
You Can’t Kill Me
Kapital
The Unspeakable Stands Revealed
I Never Glid Before
Rejoice!
Master Builder
Tropical Fish: Selene
Tried So Hard

Musicians
Kavus Torabi – Guitar, Vocals
Fabio Golfetti – Guitar
Dave Sturt – Bass
Cheb Nettles – Drums
Ian East – Sax & Flute

LINKS
Gong – Website | Facebook

HRH Prog – Website | Facebook

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