Review Round Up – Ghost Of The Machine, Dominic Sanderson, Human Pyramids, Michael Woodman & Dim Gray

Life has been a bit up and down recently and I have really struggled to keep Progradar up and running but we are still here, a not inconsiderable thanks has to go to John Wenlock-Smith for keeping the reviews running while I’ve been on a bit of a hiatus!

Anyway, 2025 started with some fantastic promos being sent so here are just a few of them, you’ll see why I think 2025 is going to be another stellar year for the music we all love!

Ghost Of The Machine‘Empires Must Fall’

‘Empires Must Fall’ is the hotly anticipated second album from Yorkshire-based progressive rock band Ghost Of The Machine, releasing on 7 March 2025 through ProgRock.com’s Essentials label.

Empires Must Fall maintains Ghost Of The Machine’s trademark anthemic hooks and beefy melodic rock production (once again courtesy of Leeds producer Bob Cooper) and it also explores “denser and darker arrangements that”—singer Bramald promises—will “scratch that ‘prog’ itch while striking a careful balance between shorter, more accessible songs and those epic-length pieces that we’re known for.”

The new album tells a continuation of the story that started with the ‘Scissors’ suite on the previous album. Bramald adds, “Our first record concluded with the tyrannical Puppet King being vanquished by his final victim… she slew him with a pair of scissors! So, we wondered what the consequences of that violent but liberating final act would be. We started with a simple question: what is true justice? Is the newly crowned Empress of the Light succeeding at being a benevolent ruler, or is she becoming a tyrant herself? Can she right all the wrongs that she herself had suffered? And what will it take to finally break the cycle of violence and coercion?”

God, these guys just keep getting better! There’s a confidence about Ghost Of The Machine that oozes from every track on this complete monster of an album. You’d be forgiven for thinking that the band had been together for decades, not just a handful of years. Powerful guitars and a wonderfully fluid rhythm section add to the elegant keyboards and Charlie Bramald’s superb, distinctive vocals to deliver a real tour de force of hard rock tinged progressive rock.

Keepers Of The Light opens the album with an energetic bravado that enthuses the listener and then The Days That Never Were adds some classic hard rock vibes to the album. The two epics, Panopticon and Fall Through Time, take this impressive band to yet another level. The former is a brooding monster of a track that ebbs and flows with a quiet assurance and maturity and speaks of a group of musicians on an ever upwards trajectory and working in an almost symbiotic relationship. The latter is a true progressive masterpiece that wouldn’t be amiss on a Genesis album. The haunting brilliance of The One is a highlight and the album closes with After The War, a modern progressive take on Dire StraitsBrothers In Arms to my ears.

‘Empires Must Fall’ is Ghost Of The Machine oozing class, skill and confidence to deliver a truly majestic musical experience that lingers long after the last note has ended.

Released 7th March, 2025.

Order the album here:

https://ghostofthemachineofficial.com/store

Dominic Sanderson‘Blazing Revelations

Dominic Sanderson is a 25-year-old Liverpool-based solo artist from Wakefield. He places his foot firmly in the progressive rock field, with current influences being Van der Graaf, King Crimson, Gentle Giant and Caravan. Having made his debut in 2020 with the ‘Discarded Memories’ EP (featured on the sampler CD of Prog Magazine #116), Sanderson released his first full-length album, ‘Impermanence’, in 2022.

‘Blazing Revelations’ was completed between January and November 2024. The album was recorded and mixed independently by Joshua Joyner in an abandoned radio station. With the snatches of time available to Sanderson and the band members, what with commitments to careers, families and social activities, ‘Blazing Revelations’ was a labour of love, slowly chipped at when time allowed. The mastering was completed by Jon Astley (The Who) at Close To The Edge Studios.

Once again, Dominic Sanderson has created something truly progressive. I was a big fan of ‘Impermanence’ and I think he has taken his skill set to another level. A masterful collection of songs that inspire and surprise at every turn. There’s touches of Canterbury, swathes of symphonic and, over all, a supreme confidence in the composition and delivery on every track of this superb release.

Dominic is obviously not one to rest on his laurels and ‘Blazing Revelations’ continues his quest to expand the progressive genre with thoughtful, intelligent and complex creations like the acid edged majesty of From The Weeping Cradle with it’s complex rhythms and the wistful, Canterbury stylings of Faithless Folly, a convoluted, labyrinthine piece of music that takes you on an other worldly adventure. Add in the acid folk leanings of A Rite Of Wrongs and we see Sanderson take an enjoyable trip into the wider sonic world.

The stand out track is the near seventeen minute journey into the unknown that is Lullaby For Broken Dream. There’s something utterly compelling about this song as it opens up like an Edgar Allan Poe story set to music with discordant jazz sections that really test his fellow musicians and edgy, contemporary prog that makes for an complex and intriguing listening experience. An utterly worthwhile expedition into the creative mind of one of British progressive rock’s rising stars. Crimson-esque guitars and swathes of 70’s keyboards abound on this stunning piece of music that will leave you breathless in admiration.

With ‘Blazing Revelations’, Sanderson has redefined what it is to be truly progressive in the modern musical world and I for one am eminently thankful that there are musicians out there who are still creating works of art like this.

Released 28th February, 2025.

Order from bandcamp here:

https://dominicsanderson.bandcamp.com/album/blazing-revelations

Human Pyramids‘Thank You’

Human Pyramids is a Cinematic, Orchestral Supergroup from Glasgow, Scotland.

Led by Composer/Producer Paul Russell, the new album features musicians from Axes, Suicide Bid, Scottish Ballet and Modern Studies.

Their 4th album ‘Thank You’ was recorded all over the UK and Europe. Luscious strings, rousing horns, shimmering guitars and bubbling synths. The album expands upon their trademark euphoric sound from the first 3 records which have soundtracked countless TV Shows, Documentaries and Films. The album was mastered by Alan Douches (Sufjan Stevens / Animal Collective) in New York State.

I’m a huge fan of Paul and Human Pyramids, the uplifting music is wonderful to listen to and transcends all the crap in modern life. With ‘Thank You’ Paul has carried on with his fantastic formula, delivering an experience that is sonically beautiful and joyously mesmerising.

Take strings, brass, amazing percussion and funky guitar and add in a touch of utter joy and you get something that will leave a permanent smile on your face. Listen to the audaciously wonderful Full Bloom, the staccato feather like innocence of Scattering Sunlight and the wholesome delight of Glow and tell me that I’m wrong!

This world that we live in can be a daunting and scary place so take some time out of your busy schedule and let Human Pyramids whisk you away to a world of musical wonder and delight!

Released 17th January, 2025.

Order from Banquet records here:

https://www.banquetrecords.com/human-pyramids/thank-you/TMT004

Michael Woodman‘Hiss Of Today’

Thumpermonkey’s guitarist/vocalist Michael Woodman returns with his first full-length solo album, slated for release on 26/04/2025.  ‘Hiss of Today’ entangles restless analogue-synth entities with lo-fi motorik percussion; part 60s baroque chamber pop, part Vangelis, part Thelemic ritual viewed through a broken kaleidoscope. Label owner and Gong frontman Kavus Torabi (whom Woodman toured with after the release of his debut EP, ‘Psithurism’) also gifts his unmistakable spectral psychedelia to the single, Lychgate. The album’s inspiration comes from an uncanny discovery: William Robert Woodman, one of the founding members of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, not only shared Michael’s surname but also died on the same date as Michael’s birthday. ‘Hiss of Today’ is equal parts nostalgic hauntology, tales of cursed ZX Spectrum tapes, and hallucinated 8-bit lore – expanded upon through a pre-release text adventure that fans can access from February 2025.

Photo credit Ashley Jones.

I was one of the first to hear ‘Psithurism‘ and was intrigued by Michael’s complex and intriguing music and he has returned with a full length release that improves on the promise of that EP to deliver a thought provoking and beguiling collection of songs that captivates the listener with its compelling stories impressive musicianship. Haunting and moody on tracks like The Wandering Nerve, the musical equivalent of scratching your finger nails down a blackboard and bombastic and theatrical on my personal favourite, The Button, a track that harks back to 90’s hard rock band Incubus to my ears. It is a journey through a feverish but calculating mind and one that produces something daringly different.

There’s nothing else quite like ‘Hiss Of Today’, with touches of Gong and Cardiacs in places, mingling with the cerebral style prog of Van der Graaf Generator and King Crimson, Michael Woodman has created a kaleidoscope of musical magnificence.

Released April 26th, 2025.

Order from bandcamp here:

https://michaelwoodman.bandcamp.com/album/hiss-of-today

Dim Gray‘Shards’

Dim Gray are a Norwegian band known for their cinematic, atmospheric sound that fuses rock, folk, and chamber pop. Following acclaimed debut, ‘Flown’, and the expansive, evocative soundscapes of second album, ‘Firmament’, Dim Gray are set to release their third studio album, Shards, on February 28th, 2025 on Grim Day Records. 

Formed by Håkon Høiberg (guitars, vocals), Tom Ian Klungland (drums), Oskar Holldorff (vocals, keys) and former member Robin Kirknes (bass), the band added new members Kristian Kvaksrud (bass) and Milad Amouzegar (guitar, keys) in 2023. The band have established a strong live presence, as per their recent live EP, and have captivated audiences while supporting renowned acts like Marillion and Big Big Train.
 
Oskar adds, “Seven of the songs on Shards are about change, upheaval, severance; something shattering to pieces. Although most of these songs are sad or dramatic, some have a tinge of hopefulness to them, as sometimes the pieces of something shattered can be rearranged in different and better ways. These seven songs are bookended by two songs that deal with the opposite; a constant stasis, an unending struggle of two opposing kinds that are reflections of our personalities.”
 

With the breadth and ambition of the Shards album, Dim Gray are making good on not only what has come before but also setting their sights on, despite their name, a very bright future.

I’ve been on the Dim Gray journey since the start and this Norwegian band just get better and better with every album they release.

They have a very distinctive sound and this has coalesced into a more easily accessible and open set of songs on ‘Shards’. From the very first note of Defiance you are drawn into a musical cornucopia of wonder and delight. Jingling guitars, haunting piano and the distinctive, fluent vocals are hallmarks of this wonderful band’s very unique sound. The soaring choruses and dynamic strings add yet another dimension to the music and this can be heard to fantastic effect on the delightful Myopia.

Dim Gray are described as ‘evoking a blend of Radiohead’s experimental edge and Fleet Foxes’ pastoral warmth’ but, to my ears anyway, their sound has evolved to be very like the much loved Danish band, Mew, who are sadly playing their last two shows this year before disbanding. With driving, energetic songs like Murals with its superb folk style guitar, Dim Gray can forge a new path for themselves and create their own niche. The warmth and heartfelt passion of Feathers and Mooneater create a stylish juxtaposition with the wonderful Scandi pop/prog of the vibrant first single from the album, Peril, like A-ha brought bang up to date for present times, it’s uplifting, energetic and just brilliant!

Mesmerising and ethereal, Little One and Shards From a Broken Crown are perfect musical gems like atmospheric, euphonic ripples in a sonic lake but the best is saved until last with the ten minute odyssey that is Attakulla. A brooding opening gives way to Dim Gray at their magical best. Gorgeous harmonies and simply superb musicianship create an atmosphere of utter wonder that transcends mere mortality and finishes this musical creation on an incredible high.

‘Shards’ is a band operating on a higher plain. Widescreen cinematic music full of heart and soul, Dim Gray have given us the highlight of 2025 so far and it will take something quite remarkable to top it.

Released 28th February, 2025.

Order the album here:

https://linktr.ee/dimgraymusic

Progradar Albums Of The Year 2019

This list is just an opinion, my opinion. These are the albums (and one E.P.) that resonated most with me in the fine music year of 2019.They are not in any particular order apart from my top album of the year…

Big Big Train – Grand Tour

Not an immediate favourite but an excellent grower that slowly insinuated itself into my affections. Big Big Train are very, very good at what they do and the songwriting and production values are on point as ever.

no-man – Love You To Bits

I have no idea what Steven (Wilson) and Tim (Bowness) were on when they came up with the idea for this pulsating masterpiece but, by golly, can they please give some to the rest of what is becoming a very moribund music scene.

Love You To Bits is a utterly fascinating and overwhelmingly entertaining musical adventure with superb dynamism and a diversity rarely seen in the strictures of conventional music.

Just do yourselves a favour and go and buy it, you will not regret it!

Bruce Soord – All This Will Be Yours

Lushly produced by Soord himself and lovingly mastered by fellow The Pineapple Thief member Steve Kitch, All This Will Be Yours is a cultured gem of a record that has created music as a definitive art form. Born from the joy of bringing life into the world and the pain that Soord sees in the privation and hardship of his hometown, this is an album that will linger long in the memory.

Exploring Birdsong – The Thing With Feathers

‘The Thing With Feathers‘ is an utterly absorbing twenty-one minutes of music and delivers an undoubted new talent onto the music scene. Serene and graceful yet with a deep intelligence running throughout, I haven’t been this excited about a new artist in a very, very long time.

Bent Knee – You Know What They Mean

Bent Knee have knocked me sideways with this new release, You Know What They Mean is a collection of amazing musical journeys, some of them seemingly fraught with danger and all of them apparently from minds that seem to exist in an alternate reality to most people. Utterly mad at times and utterly magnificent at others, it has certainly changed my perspective and deserves to be on the awards list at the end of the year. Just one thing, who, exactly, are They?

Franck Carducci – The Answer

The Answer leaves a huge grin on my face, a highly enjoyable cornucopia of musical delights taking you on an amazing journey through 70’s progressive rock, hard rock, funk and pure rock and roll. Containing some utter Carducci gems, this album just keeps getting better and better with every listen and is by far Franck’s most cohesive and impressive work yet.

Human Pyramids – Power Pose

I think Paul and the rest of Human Pyramids have given us what is possibly the most playful, captivating, bewitching and beguiling album of 2019, it’s like a celebration of all that is good in this world delivered wrapped up for you to open on Christmas Day (Yes, that is the release date!). By golly, we really must all have been very good this year…

Afenginn – Klingra

Music for long winter evenings in the company of someone you love, ‘Klingra’ will make time stand still as you listen to every nuance and subtlety, it is an incredibly involving experience that I believe everyone should enjoy at least once.

Rise – Strangers

Music truly is the literature of the heart when it comes to releases like ‘Strangers’, this album is truly a work of musical art created by one of the most avant-garde folk songwriters currently alive. Each track has layers of texture that are almost primeval in nature, each is a living and breathing entity that will take each listener on their own personal journey. I suggest you get your hands on a copy and see where this incredible record takes you.

League Of Lights – In The In Between

What League of Lights have done is written a wonderful homage to the synth-pop highs of the late 80’s and early 90’s and brought it bang up to date for a modern musical world. For me it is chock full of nostalgia and is a wonderful and involving listening experience. Another highlight in a year that is beginning to produce quite a few but don’t take my word for it, go out and buy it and see for yourself!

Rise Twain – Rise Twain

Rise Twain have delivered one of the most impressive debut albums I have heard in quite a long time. The fragile beauty will touch you and the profound depth will move you like nothing else, if you only listen to one new album this year then I implore you to make it this one.

Izz – Don’t Panic

IZZ have returned with what should become an American progressive rock classic. Don’t Panic brings classic prog rock bang up to date for the 21st century and should cement this musical collective as one of the pre-eminent bands of the genre at this moment in time and for many years to come.

Bjørn Riis – A Storm Is Coming

I’m a huge fan of Bjørn Riis and “A Storm Is Coming” has just emphasized what a huge musical talent this man is. Six songs of loss, love and human relations that everyone can relate to make this an album that touches you on a personal level and one that is already one of the year’s outstanding releases.

cosmograf – Mind Over Depth

“Mind Over Depth” is another impressive offering from the talented Mr Armstrong under the Cosmograf moniker and the lack of a narrative proves no detriment at all. Powerful, cinematic and enigmatic, all the plaudits this release is garnering are richly deserved and will hopefully attract a new audience to Robin’s music.

And so we come to the album that has stood the test of time and really deserved the ‘Album of the Year’ gong from me…

Moron Police – A Boat On The Sea

I honestly cannot remember having this much fun listening to a record in a very long time, there’s an utter freedom to the songs and the music, an almost childlike immunity to the cares of the world. With everything that is happening in the so-called civilized world today, we could all do with a dose of the magical Moron Police in our life so do yourselves a favor and buy this album, you will never regret it!

So that wraps up 2019 but 2020 is already looking like another year of stellar releases. This list is as subjective as they come and it is just my opinion, see you on the other side for more of the same…

Review – Human Pyramids – Power Pose

“Music is an outburst of the soul.” ― Frederick Delius

I absolutely adored the second album from Human Pyramids, the cinematic, orchestral supergroup from Glasgow, Scotland. Released in 2017, ‘Home’ was uplifting, inspiring and a salve to the soul, all delivered with a touch of fun and humour in one undeniably wonderful package.

So I was definitely a happy bunny when I received an email about a follow up to that bundle of joy. Led by Composer/Producer Paul Russell, ‘Power Pose’ features musicians from Axes, Suicide Bid, Admiral Fallow, Scottish Ballet and Puff Uproar.

Their third album was recorded all over Scotland, London and Berlin. With luscious strings, rousing horns, shimmering woodwinds and bubbling synths, the album expands upon their trademark euphoric sound from the first 2 records which have sound-tracked countless TV shows, documentaries and films. The album was mastered by Joe Lambert (Dirty Projectors / Animal Collective) in Jersey City.

Paul Russell

A musical experience like no other, Human Pyramids give us instrumental music that appears to come from a world where children’s TV could provide the soundtrack to life, an innocent joy abounds throughout the the twelve engaging and compelling tracks, opener 4000 Miles using strings and brass to wondrous effect. Like a glorious sunrise rising on a virtuous, unblemished world, it lifts your heart and makes your soul soar.

There’s playfulness and candour in the pared back delight of tracks like Volcano and Treacle and pomposity and fun in the catchy drive of Boxing Day. I always felt there was a childlike awe at the heart of ‘Home’ and that perception continues with the excellent Confetti and in the staccato strings of Hospital Radio.

‘Power Pose’ sees the collective deliver more maturity without losing the spontaneous touch inherent on the previous album. The enchanting and captivating music continues through Memory Map, the off- kilter, sometime country blues aura of Wisdom Teeth and Hanlon’s Razor and culminates in the incredible fun-filled high energy brass of the funky The Mighty Atom and the more laid back final track Trouble.

I think Paul and the rest of Human Pyramids have given us what is possibly the most playful, captivating, bewitching and beguiling album of 2019, it’s like a celebration of all that is good in this world delivered wrapped up for you to open on Christmas Day (Yes, that is the release date!). By golly, we really must all have been very good this year…

Released 25th December 2019

Pre-order, and listen to 4000 Miles, from the link below:

https://humanpyramids.bandcamp.com/album/power-pose

Human Pyramids announce new album “Power Pose” Release Date: Christmas Day 2019 -Pre-Orders Now Open!!

Human Pyramids is a Cinematic, Orchestral Supergroup from Glasgow, Scotland. Led by Composer/Producer Paul Russell, the new album features musicians from Axes, Suicide Bid, Admiral Fallow, Scottish Ballet and Puff Uproar

Their 3rd album “Power Pose” was recorded all over Scotland, London and Berlin. Luscious Strings, Rousing Horns, Shimmering Woodwinds and Bubbling Synths abound! The album expands upon their trademark euphoric sound from the first 2 records which have soundtracked countless TV Shows, Documentaries and Films. 

The album was mastered by Joe Lambert (Dirty Projectors / Animal Collective) in Jersey City. Human Pyramids have shared main stages with Tame Impala, And So I Watch You from Afar and Kamasi Washington at End of the Road, 2000 Trees and Glastonbury Festivals

The ground-breaking 360-degree VR video for “Crackle Pop” was nominated for “Best Debut VR Experience” at Raindance Film Festival and “Best Interactive Music Video” at the UK Music Video Awards (Alongside LCD Soundsystem, Foster the People and Pup). Both debut album “Planet Shhh!” and 2nd album “Home” received glowing reviews/features in The Guardian, The Skinny, Prog Magazine and the 405. Steve Lamacq called the last release “A Late Contender for Album of the Year” and Gideon Coe, Stuart Maconie and Don Letts also championed the release. (Don Letts using “Crackle Pop” for his own advert).  

You can pre-order the album and stream the track ‘4000 Miles’ at bandcamp here:

https://humanpyramids.bandcamp.com/album/power-pose

Review – Human Pyramids – Home – by James R. Turner

As ever our esteemed editor has an uncanny knack of being able to listen to the piles of albums he gets for review and then a few days later you’ll receive a message on Facebook with those immortal words ‘I reckon you’ll like this’ and, as I like a challenge and new music, I will always say ‘ping it over then’ and then usually ask for it to be re-sent as I forget to download it before the deadline runs out.

The latest of Martin’s picks that he thought would reach the parts that other records wouldn’t reach, is ‘Home’, the new album from Human Pyramids.

Brain child of Paul Russell, the Glasgow based composer from instrumental outfit Axes, this see’s him meld a chaotically brilliant fusion of orchestral arrangements, pop and electronic sensibilities, performed by a cross country collaboration 16 piece band.

Now I am a sucker for big ensemble sounds, and having heard the mighty sound that bands like the Polyphonic Spree or Bellowhead can make, that definitely got my spidey senses tingling, and with the band having performed at festivals like the End of the Road, 2000 Trees and Glastonbury, these guys have the chops to back up their ambitions, and ‘Home’ is their second release.

As an inquisitive teenager rifling through my parents record collection, and devouring anything they had that was slightly different (remember I grew up in the Britpop era where everyone sounded the same and there was nothing exciting musically happening) I discovered bands like ELO and Sky, who were using different compositional forms and sounds, and (certainly in the case of ELO) plenty of strings.

Thus I have always had a soft spot for ensembles that push beyond the four-piece sound and look to do something new and exciting.

The fact that Louise starts off with some wonderfully stirring strings and then develops into a fantastic string and brass off (again being from South Yorkshire the stirring sound of the brass band runs through my veins like Henderson’s Relish, and there is nothing more uplifting than the sound of a brass ensemble going some). So to hear the two meeting in a fantastically stirring piece that mixes a great riff and some superb musical duelling/duetting certainly drew me straight in.

Canned Thunder does exactly what it says on the tin, with an absolutely brilliant drumbeat and more of that amazing brass. Paul Russell has an amazing ear for a melody and a knack for putting the right instrumentation in the right place, he makes it sound so easy, which is why this is such a well made album.

Slush mixes piano led riffs, some subtle electronica bubbling under the surface, and slowly the rest of the ensemble seep in, those driving strings, the heart tugging brass, the wonderful countermelodies.

The press blurb describes this as a mix of punk energy fused with electronic elements and orchestral sounds. I would say this is the musical sound of humanity, there is so much depth and power behind each song, that even in the quietest moments there are little riffs and licks, subtle string tones, a small brass part here and there, from the almost dance like infusion that ripples through Crackle Pop (reminiscent of Rob Dougan’s work) and the driving strings and powerful brass.

There is a country tinged sound to Your Flag, with a mellow and relaxed vibe that just builds as song grows and counter melodies weave and intermingle as the sinuous drum beat helps hold it all together until the brass kicks in for the massive elegiac finish that is full of power and emotion, reminiscent of the closing part to one of Mike Oldfield’s opus’.

With the strong use of brass and shorter tunes it reminds me at times of the tunes of The Home Service or Bellowhead, and the intricate musical composition quality reminds me of Mike Oldfield in parts, but that is probably coincidental, as lets face it when you’re pulling music of this nature together with such a powerful ensemble you’re bound to get a touch of the Oldfield in there whether consciously or not.

This is no homage though, this is living breathing music, and the stuff that gets in your veins and into your soul, the driving power of Blast Off for instance is widescreen film music.

Nico is a wonderful uplifting piece of music full of life and light, whilst the closing Home rounds off a highly emotional and enjoyable album with some sublime piano work and another great brass section, bringing the album home.

I’d never heard of this ensemble before, and the description was vague enough to get me interested, and the music is sublime enough to keep me hooked and listening again and again.

This is one of those albums that ebbs and flows like life itself, and is full of emotional highs and lows, and above all the musicality, the sublime performances and the compositional chops on show here, this album is brimming full of heart and soul, and one you can’t help be swept away by as an aural emotional sucker punch.

This is what music is meant to be like, and this album deserves a place in everyone’s Home!

Released 10th November 2017

Order ‘Home’ from bandcamp

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwJKHLvuWAY

Human Pyramids have announced their new album ‘Home’ will be released on the 10th of November via Three Mile Town Records.

Human Pyramids, the explosive and uplifting project from Scottish composer Paul Russell of instrumental outfit Axes have announced their new album ‘Home’ released on the 10th of November via Three Mile Town Records.

The new album “Home” takes punk energy and fuses electronic elements with soaring orchestral arrangements performed by a 16 strong ensemble whose jubilant live shows have has seen them make appearances at End of the Road, 2000 Trees and Glastonbury festival.

Raised in an old mining village in the central belt of Scotland and now based in Glasgow, Paul Russell has now expanded his Human Pyramids project to feature a number of handpicked musicians spread throughout the UK. The collectives debut album “Planet Shhh!” received glowing reviews across national press, frequent BBC 6music plays and sound-tracked countless documentaries, films and adverts.

‘Home’ is a collection of 12 pieces of music written by Paul Russell, each one a stunning and winding musical experience, the record moving seamlessly across genre and sounds all the while held together by Russell’s distinctive compositional voice. He said about the record: “Since the humble beginnings of the debut album, the band has ballooned. Live shows at End of the Road, 2000 Trees and Glastonbury Festivals saw the addition of a choir and filled the stage with almost 50 people. Writing a follow up was always going to be an ambitious undertaking!”

Very much a celebration of collaboration, the album was supported by Creative Scotland, which allowed Paul to assemble his favourite musicians, arrangers and producers to work on the record, explaining: “I flew up Danish drummer Allan Gunby to track drums with Graeme Young at Chamber Studios. I recorded guitars with Rod Jones from Idlewild in his beautiful Post Electric Studios. Pete Harvey taught me how to arrange for string quartet and we recorded his ensemble with Paul Savage at Chem19. I took a ferry across to a remote peninsula in Cornwall to work with Simon Dobson on brass arrangements and recorded Trumpet, Tuba and French Horn at his Dark Matter Studios.”

The album will be released on the 10th November on Three Mile Town Records (Worldwide) and on the Ricco Label (East/South East Asia)

Human Pyramids will be launching their new album with a release show at The Lexington in London on the 27th of October with the full 16 piece band in tow.