Category: News

The Flower Kings announce new full-length album Look At You Now’ and new single “Beginner’s Eyes”

In their nearly 30-year career as a band, The Flower Kings return with their 16th studio album Look At You Now. With its vintage vibes, and the warm and inviting sounds that are reminiscent of legendary and classic 70’s albums – Look At You Now is all about the invention of grandiose soundscapes and that analog feel that will transport you to a bygone era of rock with swirling synths & guitars and thematic long-form pieces.

Their first anthem “Beginner’s Eyes” can be listened to here:

The Flower Kings – Beginners Eyes (lnk.to)

Watch the video now:

Pre-Order Look At You Now here:

The Flower Kings – Beginners Eyes (lnk.to)

The Flower Kings comments on the new single: “Here’s news from veterans THE FLOWER KINGS – Album Nr. 16! Like a ghost ship sailing in from faraway places – a set of new songs leave their mark on 2023 – A year most of us will remember for the wars, the migration & refugees, the wildfires, the lost youth, the melting ice, the economic crisis, too many dead heroes, the political unrest. But also, a year that opens to possibilities, re-birth – new ways of thinking – We think this new album from The Kings of the North gives a bit of both.”  

Look At You Now Tracklist:

1.     Beginner’s Eyes 

2.     The Dream 

3.     Hollow Man

4.     Dr. Ribedeaux 

5.     Mother Earth 

6.     The Queen 

7.     The Light in Your Eyes

8.     Seasons End 

9.     Scars 

10.  Stronghold

11.  Father Sky

12.  Day For Peace 

13.  Look At You Now

The album will be available in the following versions:

·       Ltd. CD 6-Panel Digipak

·       Ltd. Gatefold Black 2LP 180g Vinyl

·       Ltd. Gatefold Transp. Orange/Black Marbled 2LP 180g Vinyl – Limited to only 500 copies 

·       Ltd. Gatefold Transp. Blue 2LP 180g Vinyl – Limited to only 300 copies

·       Ltd. Gatefold Transp. Sunflower Yellow 2LP 180g Vinyl – Limited to only 300 copies

·       Digital Album

Roine Stolt adds on the album release: “The first track out – and likewise the opening track – is “Beginner’s Eyes”. A song that has its origin in the very early 90’s – a time before The Flower Kings were gathering – but now finally and finely developed and recorded properly. A happy tune with plenty of flowery sunny themes Roine & Hasse vocals united – and a good groove, cool Hammond and Moog blipping’ and bloppin’ sounds, over a solid beat from Mirko & Michael. There’s no doubt that The Flower Kings plays no ‘style’ – or in no league – other that their own – a style they created and crafted carefully for more than 25 years strong. The album is a celebration of the imagination and craft of those who lead rather than follow. Artwork came in like magic from Joey Tessier – a world of magic and flowery creatures.”

Remember to catch The Flower Kings on their upcoming EU Autumn Tour: 

13.07.2023 NO-Brönnöysund – Rootsfestival

16.09.2023 SWE-Uppsala – TFK Fan Day & Release Party

17.09.2023 SWE-Uppsala – TFK Fan Day & Release Party

04.10.2023 DK-Kopenhagen – Beta

05.10.2023 DE-Berlin – Frannz-Club

06.10.2023 PL- Poznań – 2Progi

07.10.2023 PL-Rzgów – GOK

08.10.2023 PL-Piekary Śląskie – OK Andaluzja

10.10.2023 CZ-Olomouc – Bounty Rock Café

11.10.2023 HU-Budapest – Analog Music Hall

12.10.2023 SLK-Bratislava – Majestic Music Club

14.10.2023 IT-Borgomanero – Teatro Rosmini

15.10.2023 DE-Regensburg – Evenhalle Airport

16.10.2023 DE-Augsburg – Spectrum

17.10.2023 CH-Pratteln – Z7

19.10.2023 UK-Southhampton – The 1865

20.10.2023 UK-London – Powerhaus

23.10.2023 BE-Verviers – Spirit Of 66

24.10.2023 DE-Aschaffenburg – Colos-Saal

25.10.2023 DE-Köln – Yard Club

26.10.2023 DE-Übach-Palenberg – Rockfabrik

27.10.2023 NL-Uden – De Pul

28.10.2023 NL-Zoetermeer – Boerderij

29.10.2023 DE-Hamburg – Logo

The Flower Kings line-up:

Roine Stolt – Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards, Percussion 

Hasse Fröberg – Vocals 

Michael Stolt – Bass, Vocals, Keyboards (Track 5), Guitar (Track 5) 

Mirko Demaio – Drums, Percussion, Keyboard (Track 12) 

With:

Hasse Bruniusson – Percussion (Track 3) 

Lalle Larsson – Synthesizers (Tracks 4,9) 

Jannica Lund – Backing Vocal (Tracks 1,2,3,5,7,11,13) 

Marjana Semkina – Vocal (Track 12) 

Jörgen Sälde – Nylon Guitar (Track 6)

DOWNES BRAIDE ASSOCIATION Announce release of new album ‘Celestial Songs on 8th September; They also launch first single ‘Clear Light’

Downes Braide Association (DBA) announce the release of their long-awaited new album Celestial Songs on 8thSeptember. Following their previous critically acclaimed studio albums, Celestial Songs will be the fifth DBA studio collaboration for Geoff Downes (keyboards) and multi award-winning songwriter Chris Braide (vocals). The album will be released in 3 formats:  CD, 2LP and Box Set.

DBA also launch the first single from the album Clear Light – listen to the song and watch the video here:

Celestial Songs marks another musical leap forward for DBA. “As we were writing the songs for the album, they started to become thematic in emotion and feeling,” says Chris Braide, “more classic rock than the predecessor ‘Halcyon Hymns’. The songs were about life and death, time, love, nostalgia, spirituality. Very DBA in fact.”

“I know that Chris really likes the depth of chord sequences that I put together,” Geoff Downes explains. “This particular collection just really grabbed him and he got it up and running very, very quickly, so I was really pleased about that.

“There’s a lot of variety on the album, too. We were aiming to get quite a bit more dynamics into this album because there were some very quiet pastoral moments. I think it makes it a more interesting listen for people to get their heads around and enjoy. I hope people will appreciate it and get behind it, not just the songwriting and vocals but the overall instrumentation and musicianship is very high on this album.”

The high quality of musicianship is because of the exceptional core of musicians with which DBA have surrounded themselves including Andy Hodge (bass), Dave Bainbridge (former Iona guitarist and keyboardist), and Marc Almond who adds a brief vocal appearance.

“It’s very useful having this core of musicians that are ready to enhance our music,” agrees Geoff Downes. “Andy Hodge is very much an integral part of this unit. When we send him stuff to play, he has incredible feeling and creates a more interesting bass part than we could have thought of ourselves.

“Having Dave Bainbridge with us has added another dimension to the DBA-sound and I’m very happy with that. Dave’s got his own stamp and that’s something that we appreciate having on board.

“Marc Almond makes a cameo appearance on ‘The Darker Side Of Fame’ and Marc and Chris’s voices blend really well. It tells a story, a theme that a lot of people, and a lot of musicians, can relate to – certainly musicians that have had any kind of success. The lyric is very poignant, whilst you have all the glory, the accolades and the adulation, it can go away and you’re left with nothing. It reflects life in general, I think, as people go through all kinds of ups and downs throughout their careers and throughout their lives.”

The closing track cements DBA’s prog credentials as Chris Braide explains. “What happens to love when we die? ‘Beyond The Stars’ was a tune that began in 2015 and really shaped the way the artwork was to develop. Something bigger than us, something astral and heavenly, it grew from a 3-minute ditty to an 11-minute epic.

“That’s what the song Beyond The Stars is really asking. Celestial Songs was a title we came up with in 2020 and Roger (Dean) made it manifest in his wonderful sleeve painting. A beautiful, heavenly, rainbow sky full of stars.

“DBA’s music has always been about the big questions, the beauty of love and the tragedy of loss, but always with hope, I suppose. ‘Celestial Songs’ is the latest chapter in that series. I hope people enjoy listening to the album as much as we enjoyed writing it and making it.”

You can pre-order all formats of Celestial Songs here:

 CD version: Downes Braide Association: Celestial Songs, CD Edition – Cherry Red Records

2LP version: Downes Braide Association: Celestial Songs, Vinyl Edition – Cherry Red Records

Box set version: Downes Braide Association: Celestial Songs, Deluxe 12″ Box Set Edition – Cherry Red Records

Celestial Songs Track Listing:

1.  Look What You Do (6.17)

2. Clear Light (5.00)

3. Keep On Moving (6.36)

4. Darker Side Of Fame (3.56)

5. Hey Kid (3.28)

6. Will To Power (6.23)

7. Heart Shaped Hole (9.06)

8. Dear Petra (3.56)

9. On The Run (5.09)

10. Goodbye To You (Sister Shame) (7.30)

11. Beyond The Stars (10.19)

(Total running time: 67.40)

All tracks written by Chris Braide and Geoff Downes except Keep On Moving (Chris Braide/Francis Dunnery/ Geoff Downes) and Goodbye To You (Sister Shame) (Chris Braide/Andy Partridge/Geoff Downes)

Produced by Chris Braide and Geoff Downes

About Downes Braide Association

Downes Braide Association was formed as a studio-based project by Geoff Downes and Chris Braide and has previously produced four studio albums: Pictures Of You (2012), Suburban Ghosts (2015), Skyscraper Souls (2017) and Halcyon Hymns (2021) and a live album Live In England (2019). The project draws on Downes’ and Braide’s rich musical heritage to create a delightfully accessible brand of progressive rock.

Keyboard wizard Geoff Downes was thrust into the limelight with the worldwide success of Video Killed The Radio Star in 1979. The single topped the charts chart in 16 countries for The Buggles duo of Geoff and Trevor Horn (vocals, bass guitar). They briefly joined prog legends YES before Downes became a founder member of the supergroup Asia with YES guitarist Steve Howe, ELP drummer Carl Palmer and the late John Wetton (vocals, bass guitar).

The Wetton-Downes composition Heat Of The Moment became a world-wide hit in 1982 heralding many years of success for Asia with their FM radio-friendly brand of rock. Downes later rejoined YES in 2011 and remains with the band alongside Steve Howe.

British singer-songwriter-pianist Chris Braide has recently returned to UK shores after many years based in California. He enjoys enormous success writing and producing music for film scores, advertising campaigns and working closely with artists including Sia, Lana Del Rey, Christina Aguilera, Beyonce, Paloma Faith, Britney Spears and Marc Almond. 

An Ivor Novello award-winner and Grammy-nominated, Braide has recently won a BMI Pop Award in Los Angeles for co-writing Sia’s Unstoppable, her eighth US Top 40 hit after making a surprise, and long, rise to the top having been released in 2016, becoming the biggest selling single in the USA.

The Flower Kings launch ‘The Sum Of No Evil’ reissue; final release in reissue series

Over the past year, Swedish progressive rock legends The Flower Kings & InsideOutMusic have been reissuing the bands extensive back catalogue as newly remastered & partially remixed editions, with some being available on vinyl for the very first time. Today sees that campaign reach its culmination with the launch of ‘The Sum Of No Evil’ on Ltd CD Digipak, Gatefold 180g 2LP+CD & as Digital Album. 

You can listen & order all of the available back catalogue here: https://theflowerkings.lnk.to/Re-issues 

Watch Roine Stolt discuss the most recent reissue and more in this new clip: 

The band also recently announced a European headline tour for October 2023, in support of their as-yet-unannounced new studio album. This tour will also see the band digging out some old epics, following the recent reissues of the bands entire back catalogue. 

Roine Stolt comments: “The Flower Kings are back to the world of touring, with a number of European dates later this year. We will be celebrating the early years as well playing tracks from our new album. For this tour the line-up will be Roine Stolt, Hasse Fröberg, Michael Stolt,  Mirko DeMaio and include keyboardists Daniel Lantz (Spring & Summer) and Lalle Larsson (Autumn).” 

The full list of upcoming dates is below, including some select dates this Summer.

Look out for more information on the forthcoming new album in the coming months. 

Derek Sherinian and Simon Phillips to release ‘SHERINIAN/PHILLIPS LIVE’

First single “Aurora Australis (Live)” out now!

SHERINIAN/PHILLIPS is the musical alliance of Derek Sherinian and Simon Phillips, whose parallel reputations in virtuosic sonic inventions combine on the backdrop of instrumental genre fusion. Though the two had written and recorded together in the past, commitments to other projects had kept them busy in their own circles for a time. Upon their reunion for the recording of 2020’s The Phoenix, the duo has been going strong with consistent new releases ever since. Now, they are pleased to announce the release of SHERINIAN/PHILLIPS LIVE, which exhibits the pair uniting once again for a collaborative effort, documenting a special concert recorded at The Grape in Ventura, California on August 29th, 2022. The set is due out on August 25th, 2023 on InsideOutMusic.

Joining Sherinian/Phillips are fellow creatives Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal on guitar and Ric Fierabracci on bass to round out the lineup of the evening. Several tracks from the latest studio album offering, Vortex, made their way into the set, such as the title track “Vortex”, “Seven Seas”, and “Aurora Australis” (the original recording of which featured Bumblefoot), alongside other instrumentals.

You can check out the performance of “Aurora Australis” now here:

Derek Sherinian, Simon Phillips – Aurora Australis (Live 2022) – EP (lnk.to)

SHERINIAN/PHILLIPS LIVE has every note – planned or jammed – captured like lightning in a bottle, taking listeners to the moment these sounds sparked from their instruments. The live performance sits naturally in a rock context, while reminiscent of jazz fusion concert structures, with room for each musician to stand out in a solo space, each carrying and trading unique melodies along the way.

Derek Sherinian: “After 20 years of making albums together, it was a great pleasure bringing this music to life with Simon for the first time.”

The album will be available in the following formats:

Black Vinyl | Ltd. CD Digipak | CD Jewelcase (North America)

Pre-Order is available via this LINK 

“Sherinian/Phillips”:

1. The Vortex (04:43)

2. Empyrean Sky (04:20)

3. Temple of Helios (06:17)

4. Inertia (04:32)

5. Alpha Burst (04:01)

6. Barnacus (03:32)

7. Seven Seas (05:51)

8. Ascension (02:48)

9. The Phoenix (04:55)

10. Introduction (00:31)

11. Aurora Australis (11:27) 

Line-Up:

Derek Sherinian (keys/synth)

Simon Phillips (drums)

Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal (guitar)

Ric Fierabracci (bass) 

Sherinian’s background as a composer and keyboardist extends well beyond his familiar Dream Theater run, with a notable solo career creating a landscape for contributions from an array of acclaimed musicians, alongside performance credits with the likes of Alice Cooper, Black Country Communion, Billy Idol, Whitesnake, Kiss, Black Label Society, and Sons of Apollo (doubling on production credits), among others. 

Phillips has equally rooted himself as a well-respected drummer and composer in the rock, metal, and jazz worlds, with credits ranging from Toto, Judas Priest, Jeff Beck, The Who, Whitesnake, and Joe Satriani, to a discography in jazz fusion with Protocol, movie soundtracks, and beyond. 

The diverse range of this pair’s individual talents collectively emerges through each work they craft together; Sherinian and Phillips continue to evolve their joint musical endeavors in new directions. 

Danish math-stadium rock group Isbjörg release new single ‘Homeward Bound’ on July 14th 2023

Homeward Bound is the third single from Isbjörg’s upcoming second full-length album which is expected to be released in early 2024.

Along with the latest releases ‘Ornament’ and ‘Afterglow’, ‘Homeward Bound’ marks a new era for the band who, since the release of their debut album ‘Iridescent’ in 2019, have welcomed Jonathan Kjærulff Jensen as their new front figure.

With ‘Homeward Bound” Isbjörg continues to push the boundaries of just how catchy and approachable math rock can be. ‘Homeward Bound’ is an energetic up-tempo track packed with catchy hooks, tight musicianship and the unmistakable larger-than-life Isbjörg sound.

‘Homeward Bound’ is available on all major streaming services from Friday the 14th of July 2023.

Presave here:

Homeward Bound by Isbjörg – DistroKid

Bio:

Isbjörg is a Danish math-stadium rock band centered around the piano.

The aim of the band has always been to surprise and break musical boundaries without compromising the songwriting. Odd time signatures and polyrhythms combined with catchy hooks and lush melodies captures the listener in an intense and captivating soundscape.

Following the release of two EP’s and singles, Isbjörg released their debut album ‘Iridescent’ in 2019. The album was very acclaimed by both fans and critics for its epic, piano-centered sound and the captivating songwriting.

After the release of ‘Iridescent’ Isbjörg have been touring around Denmark and played everything from small clubs to big festivals such as SmukFest in 2019. The last couple of years Isbjörg have worked intensively on writing their follow-up album. After the departure of singer Niklas Jespersen in early 2022, Isbjörg welcomed Jonathan Kjærulff Jensen (Lara Luna) as their new lead singer and are now standing stronger and more focused than ever with a lot of single releases planned for 2023 before releasing their second full-length album in early 2024.

Homeward Bound press release and bio (før release)

Isbjörg is:
Jonathan Kjærulff Jensen – Vocals

Mathias Bro Jørgensen – Piano, vocals

Dines Dahl Karlsen – Guitar

Lasse Gitz Thingholm – Guitar

Mathias Schouv Kjeldsen – Bass

Frederik Ølund Uglebjerg – Drums

HeKz Unleashes ‘Sabotage’: A New Progressive Rock Anthem

HeKz breaks new ground with their latest single release, ‘Sabotage’. This powerful, anthemic track showcases the band’s unique approach to progressive rock, which blends elements of classic and contemporary influences.

From its thunderous opening to its climactic finale, ‘Sabotage’ is a sonic rollercoaster that is a testament to HeKz’s ability to fuse intricate musicality with raw emotion. Combining soaring vocals, intricate guitar riffs, and a rhythm section that drives like a locomotive, ‘Sabotage’ showcases the band’s mastery of their craft.

Fronted by the charismatic and dynamic lead vocalist Matt Young, HeKz delivers an impassioned performance that captivates from start to finish. Guitarist Mark Bogert shows that his command of the instrument is awe-inspiring, whilst violinist Irina Markevich’s contribution to the track showcases her singular voice as a musician and cements her role as an integral part of HeKz’s sound. With an unwavering sense of precision and impeccable timing, drummer Moyano el Buffalo creates a rhythmic foundation that propels the song forward with relentless energy.

The song features a surprise appearance by special guest Nic Weaver, who provides a full brass section to ‘Sabotage.’ Weaver’s arrangements elevate HeKz’s sound to new heights, and his performance on ‘Sabotage’ is sure to leave a lasting impression on listeners.

The lyrics of ‘Sabotage’ depict a protagonist caught in the depths of their own struggle, yearning to break free from the shackles of their tumultuous reality and desperately yearning for a rejuvenating new beginning. Young’s versatile voice delivers the intense and introspective lyrics with conviction and depth. Inspired by Jules Verne’s timeless classic “Around the World in 80 Days,” the lyric video for “Sabotage” is a visual journey which begins in the suffocating grip of an oppressive city before soaring high in a vibrant hot air balloon, then finally venturing into the unknown in search of a fresh start. The video perfectly captures the essence of breaking free from the confines of everyday life and embracing the exhilarating possibilities of a new beginning.

With a growing fan base and a reputation for delivering captivating live performances, HeKz has established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the progressive rock scene. ‘Sabotage’ further solidifies their standing as a band that refuses to be confined by musical expectations, carving their own path with a distinctive and recognisable sound. ‘Sabotage’ is now available for streaming on all major platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp. This captivating new single will satisfy the cravings of listeners hungry for fresh progressive rock that they can bang their heads to!

https://ffm.to/sabotage

Jo Beth Young to release new single and music video ‘Wolf Song’ from upcoming album ‘Broken Spells’ on July 14th 

Ethereal, Indie-folk musician Jo Beth Young (fka Talitha Rise) announces the release of Electro-Folk single Wolf Song, the third single from her third album due for release via Wise Queen Records in October 2023. 

The ethereal dream-folk track spins a bitter-sweet tale of warning and sympathy for a curious wolf like character. Ethereal vocals weave through an emotive Cello (from Silver Moth’s Ben Roberts) guitar and electronic landscape that conjures up a woodland scene.

Jo Beth Says: 

“Wolf song is one of the oldest tracks on the album and was originally written on a broken guitar at a friends house. The Wolf I think is very much an exploration of being on the end of a narcissist’s confusing behaviour.There is a conflict of feeling the danger and cruelty of such a character but also the sympathy you might have for them, because ultimately, they are damaged in some way and lonely. Originally the track more of  a acoustic, ethereal sound but I shaped it with the brilliant Matt Blackie (Engineer and Producer) who worked with me to add the beats and more electronic elements which is what I wanted to explore on the new album.

I was also delighted with Ben Roberts’s incredible Cello playing which is answering the vocals in such a delightful, emotional way that to me, it sounds like the wolf in the song. Jules Bangs’s bass playing is also always sublime. When I was creating and producing the track I think I wanted it to sound a little bit like a modern fairy tale, hence all the harps and other dream like instrumentation and hopefully I’ve achieved that.“

SHADOW NAVIGATION TOUR – UK & IRELAND 2023 

To celebrate the release of her third album ‘Broken Spell’s Jo Beth will be on tour for the first time in 4 years with Sussex based Roots and Folk Artist Serious Child this October and November. 

The joint tour is the fulfilment of one of Young’s longterm dreams to create a night of stories and songs combined exploring the shadows of human existence and how to traverse them in beautiful and unusual venues including old churches and even a castle!The show features songs from her new album and back catalogue with folk stories, anecdotes, theistic tales and more. The tour is a more intimate affair and will feature Ben Roberts (Cello) Pete Lamb (Guitars and Effects) and Ella Partington (Fiddle) alongside the highly accomplished Serious Child himself who will be sharing his own beautiful and thought provoking songs and stories. 

TICKETS AND DATES SO FAR ARE HERE

Jo Beth’s new album Broken Spells will be the first official release under her own name and not under her previous stage names of Talitha Rise and RISE . It features members of her touring band ‘The Abandoned Orchestra’ as well as long term collaborator Peter Yates (Fields Of The Nephillim). Recorded and Produced between England, Ireland and Spain, the album is a thematic exploration of ‘spells’ breaking from both the personal and collective point of view. She has been working on the record since she finished touring her last album STRANGERS in 2019. Though the album has taken longer to complete than hoped, there are some remarkable stories to tell about how and why, to be revealed later. 

Jo Beth Young is a visionary English singer-songwriter, musician and producer whose debut album An Abandoned Orchid House (2018 under the moniker Talitha Rise) received critical acclaim internationally, becoming ECHOES radio Album of the Year (which was remarkable for a previously unknown artist). With increasing support from PROG, BBC Introducing, BBC Radio 6 Music, Record Collector and Louder Than War, she released her second album STRANGERS (under RISE) in 2019 and has continued to enchant live audiences and her growing fan base across the UK with emotionally moving performance with her band ‘the abandoned orchestra’ that have been described as ‘exquisite’ (PROG) and saw her winning Female Soul West Artist Of The Year from Devon’s Listen With Monger.  

She has recorded with and opened for a host of renowned artists including Chris Difford, Renaissance, Boo Hewerdine, Erik Visser, Shriekback, Juldeh Camara, Julia Biel and continues to work with Peter Yates (Fields Of The Nephilim) oh her past and current projects including their Yates and Young collaboration. She has been delighted to work with the prog label Sonic Bond, BMG publishing and Engineers such as Adi 800 (Bjork, Sigur Ros). Last year, as part of folk collaboration NIGHTSONG with John Reed and producer Ali Karim, the album ‘The Peasants’ Revolt’ was released under No Date For Prom Records. 

GLEB KOLYADIN ANNOUNCES NEW SOLO ALBUM ‘THE OUTLAND’

OUT JULY 21st / AUGUST 11th (US) VIA KSCOPE 

LISTEN / PREORDER – HERE 

Piano virtuoso GLEB KOLYADIN unveils new solo album ‘The Outland’ out July 21st via Kscope.

Written throughout the past years, the record speaks to the introspective nature of the Iamthemorning pianist, whilst exploring facets of his sound that have yet still to be uncovered. 

Utilising the silence afforded from the pandemic, it offered a new perspective of introspection and the perfect outlet to mould his melancholic creativity. Entirely instrumental, the album emphasises melodic themes through different tracks to create a six part symphonic suite in a way that only Gleb Kolyadin could. 

The piano mastermind himself had the following to say regarding the album: 

“The Outland was recorded over 2020 and 2021 which was a very troublesome time for us all and I wanted to capture this feeling. During the period of covid when we were unable to travel I found I would create new worlds in my head, as a way of being able to escape.” 

Over time however, this idea transformed into something much deeper for me. I’ve since moved to the UK, and now it represents a new beginning. A rebirth if you will and ironically has more of an escapist air around it and has been given a new lease of life.  

Gleb continues:  

It’s a combination of being both an uplifting and introspective work that has been a long time coming. I am happy to finally share the music that is The Outland. A world within a world, assembled from disparate fragments, in many ways, like all of us.   

Acting as the protagonist in ‘The Outland’, piano is certainly the focal point of the album yet there are some truly stunning performances alongside Kolyadin. They come from an all star cast in the form of Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree / King Crimson) on drums, Tony Levin (King Crimson / Peter Gabriel) on upright bass and Vlad Avy on guitar.

Not confined to genre, the pianist traverses the landscape of classical piano to jazz-rock and fusion effortlessly as he glides across ‘The Outland’. The album is bookended by both the longest tracks of the record, ‘Voyager’ and ‘Hermitage’ each just as vital yet different as the other. The first opens with a ten minute symbiosis of Jazz-Rock and Fusion whereas the latter ‘Hermitage’ offers more of a look into the world of Jazz. 

Moments of self analysis are littered throughout ‘The Outland’. They vary in the form of the introverted ‘Ascension’ that ruminates on darker moments which are then counterpointed by the contemplative shimmering of ‘Cascades’. Matched only in scope by the experimental ‘Apparatus’.

The Outland’s musical inspirations reflect Kolyadin’s increasingly varied musical palette that include, Pat Metheny and Hiromi, Steve Reich, 1970’s Progressive Rock in the vein of legends Gong and Mike Oldfield alongside British Folk adorned with a cinematic edge. Welcome to The Outland.

The artwork, designed by Andhika Ramadhian, is an abstract portrayal of a hermit, trapped within a geometrically paradoxical space symbolising the turbulent times that ‘The Outland’ was penned in. However as time has gone on since it’s original writing, 

 The Outland tracklisting: 

1.     Voyager

2.     Ascension

3.     Cascades

4.     Mercurial

5.     Apparatus

6.     Hermitage

The Outland will be available on CD / black LP and digitally on July 21st via Kscope.

Big Big Train share live performance of “Atlantic Cable” in advance of upcoming tour

Big Big Train will be on tour this summer and to celebrate and promote the forthcoming ‘The Journey Continues’ Tour this August & September, the group have been sharing videos of songs filmed on tour last year. The band recently shared the videos for “The Florentine” and “The First Rebreather” recorded in September 2022 at The Boerderij in The Netherlands.

The band is pleased to share the performance clip of “Atlantic Cable” recorded live at Friars, Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury, UK in September 2022. The live audio recording of the song is included on the band’s forthcoming Ingenious Devices album to be released on 30th June 2023 (full details below).

You can see the video of that performance here:

Bassist Gregory Spawton says: “One of the recurrent themes we’ve explored in Big Big Train over the years is how humans have been able to harness technology to make the world a better place. Atlantic Cable is a song about the laying of the first telegraph cables across the Atlantic Ocean in the 19th century. It was a mighty endeavour which helped to bring people together. We really enjoyed playing Atlantic Cable at the legendary Friars, Aylesbury last year and are pleased to share this film of the performance.”  

Keyboardist Oskar Holldorff adds: “Following a warm-up show the night before, the gig in Aylesbury was my first official performance with Big Big Train, and what a night it was! Atlantic Cable was positioned early on in the set, and it felt great to work our way through a proper BBT epic in the beautiful Waterside Theatre. I particularly enjoyed the instrumental section starting at the 11-minute mark, in which Rikard Sjöblom’s brilliant clavinet solo was followed by Dave Foster shredding the house down!”

Watch the video for “The First Rebreather” here:
https://youtu.be/cMMlag0uPRE

Watch the video for “The Florentine” here:
https://youtu.be/tOEd18p0iwA

You can see a short, recent message from Gregory Spawton about the tour and the next BBT studio album here https://youtu.be/cwbgqkjudME .

There are also new messages from a few of the members which you can see here:
Alberto Bravin: https://youtu.be/rtoVceCWqc4
Oskar Holldorff: https://youtu.be/VcTAE5T3uuw
Maria Barbieri: https://youtu.be/bTgmUSRbGGQ

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2023 DATES

Saturday 26th August – Cultuurpodium Boerderij, Zoetermeer, The Netherlands
Sunday 27th August – Markthalle, Hamburg, Germany
Monday 28th August – Stora Teatern, Gothenburg, Sweden
Tuesday 29th August – Cosmopolite, Oslo, Norway
Wednesday 30th August – Fryshuset Klubben, Stockholm, Sweden
Thursday 31st August – Viften, Copenhagen, Denmark

Saturday 2nd September – 2 Days + 1 Festival, Revislate, Italy
Sunday 3rd September – Z7, Pratteln (Basel), Switzerland
Tuesday 5th September – Neuberinhaus, Reichenbach, Germany
Wednesday 6th September – Carlswerk Victoria, Cologne, Germany
Thursday 7th September – Colos-Saal, Aschaffenburg, Germany
Friday 8th September – Mozart-Saal, Stuttgart, Germany

Sunday 10th September – The Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh, UK
Monday 11th September – Town Hall, Birmingham, UK
Tuesday 12th September – Cadogan Hall, London, UK
Wednesday 13th September – Cadogan Hall, London, UK

Support at all shows except Wednesday 13th September comes from rising Norwegian stars Dim Gray, who feature BBT’s Oskar Holldorff. There will be no support at the Wednesday 13th September show.

Please see www.bigbigtrain.com/live for ticket links to all venue box offices.

Big Big Train will release the album titled ‘Ingenious Devices’ on 30th June 2023 on CD, double vinyl (black and sky blue vinyl) and hi-resolution (24/96) Bandcamp download. ‘Ingenious Devices’ will be available on all major streaming platforms from 28th July 2023.

‘Ingenious Devices’ features 59 minutes of music, including new versions of “East Coast Racer”, “Brooklands” and “Voyager,” which prominently feature an elite 17 piece string section recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London and have been re-mixed for this release.

Additionally, ‘Ingenious Devices’ includes a previously unreleased orchestral piece called “The Book of Ingenious Devices”, which links “East Coast Racer” and “Brooklands”, as well as a live version of “Atlantic Cable”, which was recorded on the band’s tour in September 2022.

Ingenious Devices is available to pre-order here:
https://burningshed.com/store/bigbigtrain
https://thebandwagonusa.com/collections/big-big-train
https://bigbigtrain.bandcamp.com
 

YES Announce UK Dates For The CLASSIC TALES OF YES Tour 2024

Progressive legends YES have announced UK dates for the Classic Tales of YES Tour 2024. The 9 UK dates includes a visit to London’s Royal Albert Hall and the Bristol Beacon together with 7 dates rescheduled from the 2023 UK tour, for which all tickets remain valid.

YES are delighted to include the Royal Albert Hall among their 2024 UK tour dates having first played this prestige venue in 1968 and many times since through their illustrious career. Tickets for the Royal Albert Hall show (Tuesday 4 June 2024) and Bristol Beacon (Friday 31 May 2024) go on sale on at 12noon on Friday 12th May 2023.

The tour will feature Steve Howe (guitars, vocals), Geoff Downes (keyboards), Billy Sherwood (bass guitar, vocals), Jon Davison (vocals and acoustic guitar) and new drummer Jay Schellen. Jay began playing with YES, in 2016, when long-serving drummer Alan White was beset by health issues. Following Alan’s untimely passing in 2022, it is with Alan’s blessing that Jay has permanently joined the band.

The Classic Tales of YES Tour 2024 promises to include many iconic tracks from the YES back-catalogue covering fifty-plus years and, possibly, music from the new album Mirror To The Sky (to be released on InsideOutMusic/Sony Music on the 19th May 2023).

Looking forward to the Classic Tales of YES Tour, Steve Howe said:  “We’re putting together a great setlist covering the length and breadth of YES’ career.”

“As always, we are committed to pushing new boundaries and are very excited to be performing another chapter in the rich legacy of the band,” added Geoff Downes.

The Classic Tales of YES Tour 2024 dates are as follows: 

Thursday 23 May                 Manchester               Bridgewater Hall*

Friday 24 May                      Glasgow                    Royal Concert Hall*

Sunday 26 May                  Liverpool                    Philharmonic Hall*

Tuesday 28 May                  York                            Barbican*

Wednesday 29 May             Southend                   Cliffs Pavilion*

Friday 31May                       Bristol                       Beacon

Saturday 1 June                   Birmingham               Symphony Hall*

Sunday 2 June                     Gateshead                The Sage*

Tuesday 4 June                  London                     Royal Albert Hall

*Show rescheduled from 2023, all tickets remain valid.

Bristol Beacon and London Royal Albert Hall tickets go on sale on Friday 12 May 2023 at 12noon.  Buy tickets fromhttps://bookingsdirect.seetickets.com/tour/yes/

About YES

Steve Howe: guitars, backing vocals (1970 –1981, 1990–1992, 1995–present)
Geoff Downes: keyboards (1980–1981, 2011–present)
Jon Davison: lead vocals, acoustic guitar (2012–present)

Billy Sherwood: guitar, backing vocals ((1994, 1997–2000), bass guitar, backing vocals (2015–present)

Jay Schellen: drums and percussion

Formed in 1968 by Jon Anderson and the late, and much-missed, Chris Squire, YES have been one of the most innovative, influential and best-loved bands in rock music history. Their 1970s albums The Yes Album, Fragile, Close To The Edge, Yessongs (a triple live album set), Tales From Topographic Oceans, Relayer and Going For The One were ground-breaking in musical style and content. Their music also became synonymous with artist Roger Dean whose distinctive YES logo design and artwork adorned the lavish gatefold presentation sleeves of many YES albums.

With sales of over 50 million records, the Grammy-award winning YES were inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2017 where they performed Roundabout from the album Fragile and the FM radio-friendly Owner Of A Lonely Heart from the 1985 album 90125.

YES released their 22nd studio album in 2021, The Quest, produced by Steve Howe and which went to No. 1 in the UK Rock Albums Chart and entered the Official UK Album Chart at No. 20.

In 2022 came the sad news that drummer Alan White, ever-present in the YES line-up for 50 years, had passed away. The news came shortly before the band embarked on their classic, genre-defining album Close To The Edge 50th Anniversary Tour which they dedicated to Alan.

In February 2023, ahead of the news of the new studio album Mirror To The Sky, YES confirmed Jay Schellen as the new permanent drummer with YES, hand-picked to step into his mentor and friend Alan White’s role. “I had done the 2016 tour on my own for Alan,” says Jay. “From late 2017 onwards, we had a beautiful partnership. I learned and discovered so much about Alan’s style. His passion and creativity was phenomenal. The new album has Alan’s presence all over it. It is inside of us. So, this is still, in my heart, Alan just being present and with us, and with me, in a big way.”