TPA Gig Review: Sax Ruins / Barberos / Big Naturals & Anthroprophh

The Exchange, Bristol - 17th August 2016

[Click here to read the full review at TheProgressiveAspect.net]

Sax Ruins (Japan)

... ‘Legendary’ is a big word. However large the font it is always pronounced ‘LEGENDARY’, and is not a word to be trifled with. It is the perfect word to describe Tatsuya Yoshida, Japanese master drummer of the Jazz-Punk-Prog-Noise-Avant variety, one of the most innovative musicians, composers and improvisers around today... I could watch Yoshida in full flow, and it’s a majestic sight; a spectacled and scholarly presence going crazy ape-shit bonkers, singing at times in his own inimitable style, about what I neither know nor particularly care – it’s just a perfect fit...

Barberos (UK)

... A fantastic example of synchronised drumming set to a skittering synth backdrop, it’s an enthralling set that even sees them utilise the venerable cowbell to good effect. Completely wonderful, this is how to do things differently without losing the audience, who are once again particularly enthusiastic and supportive.

Big Naturals & Anthroprophh (UK)

... Big Naturals are spliced together with Anthroprophh (Paul Allen) whose work is shot through with psychedelic lines and Kraut Rock intent that would push the often trippy sounds into space, if Webb and Turner didn’t nail it all down so firmly...

TPA CD Review: Afenginn - OPUS

Afenginn - OPUS

You can read the full TPA Review here

...The cinematic scope of OPUS unfolds with the music, sometimes in widescreen but often with a starkly emotional and claustrophobic inwardness. This is not something to be played in the background and demands your full attention, almost insisting that the whole work be heard in one sitting. A piece of art that completely succeeds in achieving what it set out to do; a modern work on a large scale that utilises structures and forms from a multitude of eras and traditions. I urge you to take some time to get to know OPUS, a genre defying classic that handsomely repays the investment over and over. I love this album more than bacon – and that’s saying a lot! Magnificent.

TPA CD Review: Macroscream - Macroscream

Macroscream - Macroscream

You can read the full TPA Review here

...One of the most exciting and ingenious releases of exuberant ensemble music making I’ve heard in ages. Everyone contributes beautifully and it all flows magnificently. The variety is breathtaking but it doesn’t sound forced in any way, ideas falling like rain – the whole thing a pure joy. And that is what music should be about.

TPA Gig Review: Eppyfest 5, Lansdown Hall, Stroud - 16th July 2016

Eppyfest 5, Lansdown Hall, Stroud - 16th July 2016

[Click here to read the full review at TheProgressiveAspect.net]

Tom Slatter (UK)

... purveyor of steam-punk unusualities and possessor of a cheekily glinting eye. The stripped-down versions of songs from his Fit the Fourth, plus others that may not see the recorded light of day until the album after next, are a lovely way to start the evening and Tom’s playful persona put everyone in a good mood...

Darkroom (UK/Turkey)

... Textural and unhurried, the pieces evolve with fragments of melody appearing, developing and then evaporating. A cleansing and thought provoking performance which I am glad to have had the opportunity to witness...

Sirkis Bialas International Quartet (Israel/Poland)

... the London-based quartet created an inspirational set of heartfelt, emotional songs and vibrant soloing with Sirkis’s off-kilter rhythms lending it an unusual characteristic....

Marvin B. Naylor (UK)

... His fingerstyle picking was wonderful to watch and he has a great voice to match it, singing his intriguing songs in a humble and warm manner...

Judy Dyble (UK)

... Most of the songs hit the mark, Judy’s lyrics beautifully descriptive and often of a highly autobiographical nature which was endearing, although a couple just didn’t work for me. No matter as the finale of Giles, Giles & Fripp’s I Talk to the Wind was wonderful and quite beautifully done...

William D. Drake (UK)

... the band have the quirk factor in spades as they batter, clang and swoon through a splendid collection of songs from Mr Drake’s stunning The Rising of the Lights and Revere Reach albums, a masterful The Mastodon being a highlight. Melancholy World from Briny Hooves was the final song but before this we got a disturbingly psychotic reading of The Teddy Bear’s Picnic – genius and brilliantly realised...

TPA CD Review: Fractal Mirror - Slow Burn 1

Fractal Mirror - Slow Burn 1

You can read the full TPA Review here

...These melodic sounds have a warmth that make for an easy listen. If you’re looking for heavy and angular then look elsewhere, but if your preference is for a mature sound filled with melody then check this one out. Don’t expect any smashing of boundaries but do expect a very well put together collection of songs, all of which work. A satisfying and enjoyable listen without the necessity for being taxing, which is after all what they set out to do.

TPA Live Review: Yes - Colston Hall, Bristol, 4th May 2016

Yes - 4th May 2016

[Click here to read the full review at TheProgressiveAspect.net]

[Photo by Anthony Firmin]

...So, is it Yes?

Well, yes. Sort of. And in all honesty that’s good enough for me. Don’t forget, the classic albums are 40+ years ago now. 40 years! I’m just amazed that a bunch of the same musicians, admittedly with the help of friends and acolytes, can still land a tour like this and play as well as they do. Is it the best Yes ever? No. Is it the worst? No. Is it a tribute? No way, they are carrying forward the legacy of some wonderful music that has enriched people’s lives.

And it is the music that is the winner here.

I’m not expecting Yes to record another Close to the Edge (and likewise hope that they don’t even think about recording another Heaven & Earth), I don’t expect them to ever tour Relayer (although I’d be ecstatic if they did!), but what Yes are currently doing is making a lot of fans very happy, which is the best bit. It is no doubt lucrative for a band at the tail end of it’s career but the most important thing is that the music is still heard, in the most legitimate way available, and it is good to know that they’re out there somewhere playing more shows than you could reasonably expect them to and still drawing enthusiastic and supportive crowds – although it would be nice if just a small percentage of these folk would venture out to see some of the current crop of prog bands doing the rounds and it’s a shame that, other than at the Royal Albert Hall show, they weren’t exposed to the magnificent Moon Safari as originally planned.

TPA CD Review: The Syn - Trustworks

The Syn - Trustworks

You can read the full TPA Review here

...So overall a very nice album that starts well and improves in the second half, Steve Nardelli has made the right choice in working with Moon Safari who give Trustworks their all. They have stuck with it through the many years where Nardelli was otherwise engaged and their contribution, together with that of Reingold, makes it shine and more than justifies the recording.

TPA Book Review: Opeth - Book of Opeth

Opeth - Book of Opeth

You can read the full TPA Review here

...The layout is engaging and easy to read, drawing the reader into the story, although there are one or two minor typographical errors within the text which is a shame but doesn't spoil the experience. Overall this is a stunning book and a fascinating read that opens up the inner workings of the band. The photos include early and candid personal photos with plenty of studio and live material, the settings for them throughout the book being beautiful and a fine fit within the breadth of Opeth imagery over the years.

TPA CD Review: Delta Saxophone Quartet with Gwilym Simcock - Crimson!

Delta Saxophone Quartet with Gwilym Simcock - Crimson!

You can read the full TPA Review here

...If recordings of this nature underline a growing acknowledgement and acceptance for “The Music That (for far too long) Dare Not Speak Its Name” then it’s all good. The fact that it’s also a fascinating slant on what this music would sound like in an alternative universe and a damn good listen for both prog and jazz fans alike makes it a no brainer.

TPA CD Review: Jump – Over The Top

Jump – Over The Top

You can read the full TPA Review here

...This band are all about the songs and are well versed in their craft, the result being a highly listenable album of true quality. The mastery with which the words are deployed is magnificent. Is it prog? Does it matter? As a piece of work Over the Top is a wonderful collection of songs that bears repeated listens. Do yourself a favour.

TPA CD Review: Cross & Quinn – Cold Sky Blue

Cross & Quinn – Cold Sky Blue

You can read the full TPA Review here

...Overall this is a beautifully put together release that is a must for anyone with a fondness for Cross’ playing. Sean Quinn has done well in his production to ensure that the often sparse elements retain a vibrancy that allows the individual contributions to shine and this is another slice of mature music making courtesy of Esoteric’s Antenna label. Thought provoking yet relaxing, Cold Sky Blue is a highly enjoyable listen, particularly through a decent hi-fi.

TPA CD Review: AppleSmell Colour – Unscrupulousness

AppleSmell Colour – Unscrupulousness

You can read the full TPA Review here

...Highly recommended, AppleSmell Colour is a new name that deserves to be heard as Unscrupulousness is a fine and varied album that works well at whatever style it aims for; quiet jazzy influenced acoustic segments, rollicking Krimson workouts, sweeping symphonic soundscapes, they nail it all with superb playing and the wonderful voice of Uri Mas.

TPA CD Review: I Am The Manic Whale - Everything Beautiful In Time

I Am The Manic Whale - Everything Beautiful In Time

You can read the full TPA Review here

...The mix of instrumentation works for the benefit of the songs, as it should, with a few flights of instrumental dexterity to flavour the stew. At nearly 75-minutes it’s a large chunk of music to get your head around but it is not a difficult listen and remains thoroughly entertaining throughout so it has to come highly recommended to anyone with a liking for grand scale symphonic constructs.

TPA Live Review: O.R.k / Thumpermonkey / Landskap / The Earls of Mars / KoMaRa - The Underworld, Camden, London, 21st Feb 2016

O.R.k / Thumpermonkey / Landskap / The Earls of Mars / KoMaRa - The Underworld, Camden

You can read the full TPA Review here

KoMaRa...At times I was just lost in the moment, the sounds and pulses, rhythms and stark edges sweeping me away in a hypnotic weave. This is music to be heard in the present, at the point of creation on stage, and KoMaRa delivered beyond all expectations.

The Earls of Mars...the tight musicianship and Harry’s madman persona kept everything ticking over nicely. Six songs, the result a fantastically entertaining set that kept me smiling from start to finish.

Landskap...On a different night I think they would have worked better for me but my mind had already been taken to a very different place and I’m afraid that Landskap didn’t really do it to me. I enjoyed the EP when I went to have a listen after the gig and will certainly visit them again upon the release of their forthcoming next album.

Thumpermonkey...The angular guitar of Michael Woodman and deft keys from Rael Jones probed and questioned while the rhythm from drummer Ben Wren and current Guapo bassist Sam Warren nailed everything down beautifully...It’s very difficult to properly absorb new music like this in a live environment but I can’t wait to hear it in its finished form.

O.R.k...This is a band that tick lots of boxes: the playing is superb, the music edgy and unsettling but also not difficult to appreciate and in Lef they have a fine frontman. I hope they continue to work together, as a unit they are something of a dream team and tonight’s performance was immense.

TPA CD Review: Dreadnaught - Gettin' Tight With Dreadnaught EP

Dreadnaught - Gettin' Tight With Dreadnaught EP

You can read the full TPA Review here

...Twenty years is a long time to plough a furrow as uncompromising as this but Dreadnaught have achieved it by knowing that melody and other identifiable signposts most certainly have their place amongst the madness, a cheeky grin and a wink allowing them to get away with the more demanding stuff. It’s an utterly brilliant combination that in lesser hands would die a miserable death. Messers Lord, Walton and Habib, I salute you.

TPA CD Review: Lazuli - Nos âmes saoules

Lazuli - Nos âmes saoules

You can read the full TPA Review here

...As expected, there is much to enjoy here and Nos âmes saoules is an album that adds much to Lazuli’s catalogue of recorded works. However, it does not tell the whole story and the true majesty of Lazuli’s live performances remains elusive. This is a band that retains a uniqueness, both in their music and visually, and live is where the magic really happens. I cannot rate this band highly enough and despite the songs only telling part of the story they are the foundations and framework upon which the finished building is constructed on stage, patio, conservatory, crazy paving and all. Just go and see them whether you think you might like them or not. Oh, and buy this too, it’s great. Magnifique!

TPA CD Review: Pandora Snail - War and Peace

Pandora Snail - War and Peace

You can read the full TPA Review here

...War and Peace is an album that improves as it goes along. It starts well but by the end it really has you, the band seem to improve in every element as you listen – and they aren’t bad to start with. It’s an uncanny effect that serves the album well as it moves from the pastoral to more sophisticated territories with ease in an eclectic storm of influence and inspiration. It’s a diverse listen that handsomely repays repeated plays, the variety of styles being successfully drawn into a cohesive whole with violin holding it all together. This is a feast of composition and ensemble performance. What IS in a name?

TPA Interview: Colin Bass

An Interview with Colin Bass

[Click here to read the full interview at TheProgressiveAspect.net]

TPA CD Review: Proteo – REPUBLIKFLUCHT!…facing east

Proteo – REPUBLIKFLUCHT!…facing east

You can read the full TPA Review here

...With prog dynamics and a jazz inflected funkiness, the performances throughout the album are excellent and the pieces put together with real passion and a sense of style. Republikflucht! …facing east is a particularly varied listen with a sincere message that has been delivered with real skill. Well worth checking out.

TPA CD Review: Colin Bass - At Wild End

Colin Bass - At Wild End

You can read the full TPA Review here

...To a large extent a product of its environment, there is a rustic edge that brings the listener close to the natural beauty of the place that inspired the music. This is a genuinely enjoyable album from a man whose music deserves much wider attention and hopefully At Wild End, which is sure to please fans of his idiosyncratic songs, will also bring him to new ears. Beautifully crafted songs that handsomely repay the investment.

TPA Pick Of 2015

TPA Writers Pick of 2015

You can read the full TPA Review here

Jez's Albums of the Year:- Anekdoten – Until All The Ghosts Are Gone I got a genuine frisson of excitement when this release was announced and it hasn’t disappointed in the slightest – massive and delicate, stunning and enticing, the songs work beautifully and the performances from both band and guests are superb. My Album of the Year. Now, about playing in the U.K…. Agent Fresco - Destrier I’d never heard of them before but Agent Fresco have completely blown me away. This Icelandic band tick all manner of boxes with exquisite vocals, intricate melodies, wistful atmospherics spiced with a metallic edge when required. As unique as the landscape and culture that forged them. Thieves' Kitchen - The Clockwork Universe Over the course of their last few albums Thieves’ Kitchen have emerged as a band of staggering depth and versatility. This latest release is intricate yet focused, spinning an intriguing web that traps the listener. Crafted with care to produce a result unlike anyone else this band are a treasure. William D. Drake - Revere Reach As eccentrically English as The Ministry of Silly Walks and Morris Dancing, Bill Drake does his own thing and provides his audience with stunning vignettes of quirky nourishment that are guaranteed to raise a smile. Often odd but always intriguing, if WDD doesn’t appear in the New Year’s Honours List soon there’s more wrong with this country than I thought. echolyn - i heard you listening Masters of the lower case, echolyn have again released an album of songs to knock you back on your heels. That’s right, songs. SONGS. The word itself is often maligned in the Wacky World of Prog where instrumental self-indulgence is worn like a badge of honour. But at the heart of everything should be the song and this collection is of immense quality and meaning that rewards repeated listening.

TPA Live Review: The Aristocrats / Godsticks - The Bierkeller, Bristol, 17th Dec 2015

The Aristocrats w/ Godsticks

[Click here to read the full review at TheProgressiveAspect.net]

Godsticks

...With a set rooted firmly in Emergence material, the new songs work very well, power and dynamics dancing around the finely honed melodies. The increase in muscle is a welcome addition for these ears but the Godsticks ethos of not sacrificing the song on the alter of either heaviness or dexterity remains true, despite there being plenty of both within the arrangements, and with a healthy crowd looking on they received a good reception at the end. It seems that Darran enjoyed every minute of these support slots with The Aristocrats and he certainly looked to be having a good time. Here’s to more shows and an increase in the band’s profile as they remain one of the finer UK acts.

The Aristocrats

...With excellent sound quality and real clarity, the levels were all right meaning that the trip home was not accompanied by a ringing of the ears. An evening of unparalleled musical ability and a good dose of laughs, these guys clearly continue to thoroughly enjoy working as a team and long may they continue. Face-melting prowess delivered with genuine warmth just for the love of it.

TPA Live Review: Guy Garvey - O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire, 2nd Dec 2015

Guy Garvey - 2nd December 2015

[Click here to read the full review at TheProgressiveAspect.net]

...As a slightly distant observer I thoroughly enjoyed the whole show which didn’t flag at all and showcased Garvey’s work for this new initiate. It was uplifting and delivered beautifully but it didn’t leave me stunned to silence like some of the shows I more regularly attend. It seems that I do know what I really like after all.

TPA CD Review: Janet Feder – T H I S C L O S E

Janet Feder – T H I S C L O S E

You can read the full TPA Review here

...The attention to detail within this album is extraordinary, all credit to Joe Shepard and Mike Yach, and of course to Janet Feder who is another artist of rare individual talent that I am glad to have had the opportunity to hear. Well worth investigating for quiet and intimate listening during those relaxed moments. It isn’t exciting and singalong but it is most certainly enthralling and completely absorbing.

TPA Live Review: The Summer's End Festival 2015

The Summer's End Festival 2015, Chepstow - 2nd to 4th October 2015

[Click here to read the full review at TheProgressiveAspect.net]

Abel Ganz (UK)

Having enjoyed Abel Ganz at Summer’s End in 2008 ... My tastes have moved on somewhat in recent years and despite a solid performance their acoustic guitar-led music didn't seem to go anywhere for me. They certainly have some nice songs but overall the sound was quite repetitive and one-dimensional despite some very pretty bits...

Dave Bainbridge's Celestial Fire (UK)

An immediately impressive set of Celestial Fire mixed with Iona classics, Dave Bainbridge’s endearing personality shining through with the talents of the musicians gathered to perform the complex music ... and altogether this was a fabulously entertaining set...

The Fierce & The Dead (UK)

... a powerfully energetic set of TFATD classics and newbies. The band have developed a lot and are tight, well drilled and crammed with energy...

Light Damage (LUX)

One of the best things about Summer’s End is that it gives the opportunity for the UK audience to see bands who would otherwise not be able to get to play here ... I enjoyed it but other than the delightful cover of Steve Hackett’s Shadow Of The Hierophant it didn’t quite connect with me and at the end I was still wondering quite what they were about ... Certainly worthy of further investigation.

3RDegree (USA)

... a band I’ve enjoyed for several years now and it was great to see them in the flesh ... The set was fun, interesting and rewarding and 3RDegree went down very well in the hall.

Discipline (USA)

... band of the weekend for me, from the start they were enigmatic and breathtakingly powerful putting on a quintessential performance topped off with the quite wonderfully visceral vocals of Matthew Parmenter who lived every word he sang whilst channelling his inner Peter Hammill ... a stunning experience to see this band in full flow and they didn’t disappoint in any way ...

Pallas (UK)

... they opened with some new stuff that I was unfamiliar with and didn’t grab me ... It had been a long day and I decided to call it a night.

The Gift (UK)

... Mike Morton is a great front man, engaging and with a fine voice ... The songs are lovely, crammed with emotion and very personal, but they didn’t fully speak to me today...

Introitus (S)

... This Swedish band, centred around the family of keyboardist Hans Bender, delivered to a very positive reaction from the crowd, the warm voice of Hans’ wife Anna cutting through as the music frequently utilised the sounds of Swedish folk, accentuated by the instrumental additions ... It was a gracious performance, unusual and inspiring, that worked well on the Sunday afternoon slot and they certainly made a lot of friends.

Credo (UK)

... The music certainly had its moments but I just find it a little samey these days. It is certainly emotional but doesn’t feature enough in the way of dynamics and invention to really draw me in ...

Simon Godfrey (UK)

... The sparkling wit and endearing personality of ex-Tinyfish man Simon Godfrey excelled and it was a fun half hour, Simon accompanied by Rob Ramsey making for a surrealist double act of true quality. Great songs delivered with passion and a large helping of laughs. Lovely.

Mystery (CAN)

.. the mighty Mystery flew in from Canada and delivered a bang on high energy set of powerful prog ... the sound was much riffier than I expected ... a memorable set from a highly skilled and capable band. Recommended.

The Enid (UK)

... if you’re going to get a last minute band to close a festival such as this you wouldn’t believe your luck if you managed to get The Enid ... Just brilliant and completely unique, The Enid reach parts that other bands just cannot reach ... this is a sound like no other band ... Barking. Bonkers. Unique. Quintessentially British and prog the way it should be.

An Interview with Darran Charles of Godsticks

[Click here to read the full interview at TheProgressiveAspect.net]

TPA Interview: Mike Judge – The Nerve Institute

An Interview with Mike Judge of The Nerve Institute

[Click here to read the full interview at TheProgressiveAspect.net]

TPA Interview: Gavin Harrison

An Interview with Gavin Harrison

[Click here to read the full interview at TheProgressiveAspect.net]

TPA CD Review: Niall Mathewson – Eclectic Electric Volume 1

Niall Mathewson – Eclectic Electric Volume 1

You can read the full TPA Review here

...Niall has producing an entertaining, varied and listenable album that bears repeated plays. To his credit he has utilised a very personal style that has served him well and hopefully, as suggested by the album’s title, this will be the first of a number of such releases.

TPA CD Review: Richard Pinhas – Chronolyse

Richard Pinhas – Chronolyse

You can read the full TPA Review here

...But does Chronolyse hold up after nearly four decades? The answer is a resounding ‘Yes’ as the repetitive, minimalist tones are as relevant and modernistic as ever. Other electronic classics may sound a little pedestrian or tired these days but Chronolyse remains a fascinating listen and well worth discovering anew if you, like me, were previously unfamiliar with it.