In the hustle and bustle of daily life it is all too easy to become distracted, overwhelmed and in the ceaseless noise which perpetually surrounds us, to lose our way. The continual clamour of social media, the relentless bewitchment of consumer advertising, the unyielding presence of politics, comment, opinion and ‘fake’ news captivates and beguiles us. We lose all sense of … [Read more...]
Interview: Richard West and Glynn Morgan; Threshold
With Threshold‘s eleventh album and first in three years, Legends of the Shires, appearing next month, I took the opportunity to talk to keyboardist Richard West and returning singer Glynn Morgan about the new album, the band’s illustrious history and future developments. You have a new album coming out: Legends of the Shires. It has so many resonances with your past … [Read more...]
Threshold – Legends of the Shires
There is an exhilarating moment of revelation, approximately 3:30 into Stars and Satellites (Track 5), where the building crescendo in the wall of sound abruptly halts, leaving just an isolated keyboard and echoed vocal accompanied by a simple bass line, perfectly framed and accentuated by the silence. Fifteen seconds later the most glorious guitar solo penetrates and swells to … [Read more...]
Katatonia with Vola and Agent Fresco
O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London Friday 21st September 2016 This is my first visit to the Shepherd’s Bush Empire and I absolutely love it. Built in 1903 as a music hall, it became the BBC Television Theatre in 1953 and then a general music venue from 1994. As a space it is almost perfect for music. The acoustics are fantastic and the views of the stage from just about every … [Read more...]
Wolverine – Machina Viva
Wolverine are an invigorating breath of fresh air. Although having their origins in death metal, the cradle which once rocked this Swedish based band has been well and truly left behind as, by their own confession, they have relentlessly explored inventive, progressive and melodic pathways as expressions of their music. They first appeared on my radar with the release of their … [Read more...]
Fates Warning – Theories of Flight
Theories of Flight is a delightfully surprising and quite beautifully crafted mosaic of poignant lyrics and powerful, captivating music whose ultimate strength comes from being taken together rather than as a collection of individual tracks. Repeated listens bring a dawning realisation that the album has a startling elegance and finesse, one which is infused with a listless … [Read more...]
Katatonia – The Fall of Hearts
Progressive music is profoundly existential. Not only does it capture the spirit of our time, it also resonates with crystal clarity in the generations who live in and through those times. For many of us prog, in particular, is a faithful companion, an ever present soundtrack comforting and uplifting us through thick and thin, challenging and confronting us through the highs … [Read more...]
Dream Theater, The Astonishing Live, The Palladium, London, February 2016
The Astonishing – Live The Palladium, London Saturday 18th February 2016 There is a heightened sense of expectation and anticipation as a high spirited crowd gather on a chilly night outside the doors of the London Palladium for the opening night of Dream Theater’s world tour and the debut performance of their latest release, The Astonishing. Despite a long and varied … [Read more...]