Italian guitar virtuoso Matteo Mancuso surprised the (jazz) rock world in 2023 with his debut album The Journey. Known until then mainly for his YouTube presence and praise from guitar giants (Steve Vai, Al Di Meola and Tommy Emmanuel), he…
Perfect Beasts are a kind of suburban supergroup I suppose. Based in Surrey, they comprise Steve Hales, the powerhouse drummer from Kepler Ten, Planet Rock DJ and bassist Darren Redick, guitar supremo Nick Andrew, and guitarist and vocalist John Mitchell.…
Three years ago, I was introduced to the Scottish heavy metal act Holocaust through their 6CD box set that compiled their complete early 80s recordings. With their debut EP and LP, they managed to make a splash in the new…
Possibly the last place you would look for authentic-sounding Americana music would be Norway. However, let me introduce you to The Violent Years, a band based in Mandal on the southern tip of Norway and their latest release, out now,…
Blodwyn Pig formed way back in the late Sixties by guitarist and vocalist Mick Abrahams following his departure from Jethro Tull, shortly after the release of their 1968 debut album. Abrahams was uncomfortable with the musical direction Tull was heading…
Featured artists: Lite | Lari Basilio | Joy Shannon | Steve Blanco Four bite-sized reviews taking a snapshot of just some of the 2025 albums and EPs to land at TPA over the past few months… • Lite – The…
Featured artists: Edenya | Riffstone | Barend Tromp | Jonhatan Tenerini | Path Of Ilya Five bite-sized reviews taking a snapshot of just some of the recent albums to land at TPA over the past few months… • Edenya –…
Cavern Club, Liverpool Tuesday, 7th April 2026 Before I review the actual concert, I must break a taboo with many people who believe all things that have a Beatles badge on it makes it perfect and above criticism. Possibly a…
Camden Club, London Saturday, 11th April 2026 A blustery and sunny day, with a hard sleet shower slotted in along the way, this had been a typical April day in England, and now I’m heading for another gig at the…
Poppodium Boerderij, Zoetermeer [NL] Friday, 20th March 2026 Italian prog-rock band Barock Project is back in the country. After a cancelled show late last year due to frontman Luca Zabbini’s illness, the Italians finally take the stage at Poppodium Boerderij.…
The Black Heart, Camden, London Thursday, 26th March 2026 Having heard Grace Hayhurst’s The World Is Dying album, one of last year’s finest releases, I felt compelled to make the not inconsiderable journey to London to witness her first headline…
Poppodium Boerderij, Zoetermeer [NL] Saturday, 14th March 2026 Lazuli has long been renowned for their live performances, just listen to, or watch Lorelive (2024). Yet the fact that they continue to grow remains both astonishing and deeply impressive. Their new…
Camden Club, London Sunday, 15th March 2026 Another appointment at the spiritual home of London Prog Gigs, in the convivial surroundings of Camden Club for this matinee album launch gig for Midlands post-punkers Sweetpool. MALCOLM GALLOWAY First up is Malcolm…
Poppodium Boerderij, Zoetermeer [NL] Saturday, 7th March 2026 British neo-prog rockers Jadis once again visited the Low Countries, with Zoetermeer’s pop theatre Boerderij serving as the venue of choice. It’s a place singer and bandleader Gary Chandler repeatedly praised during…
The Brickyard, Carlisle Saturday, 21st February 2026 Formerly known as The Richmond Hall, the venue itself is over one hundred years old, has been a key figure in the Carlisle music scene for many years and was built as Saint…
With the release of the new album Blessed and the warm reception of Live First Album: 50th Anniversary, their penultimate live record, it was high time for me to catch up with frontman, singer, and principal songwriter John Palumbo. What…
Sometimes you know before the conversation even begins that it’s not going to be a standard interview. Clare Lindley is one such person. A violinist, singer, composer, rock climber, and a fixture within Big Big Train (BBT) for several years…
Grimsthorpe Castle, Bourne Thursday, 4th September 2025 Intro and first impressions… Despite this festival being in its third year I was still a virgin to Nene Valley Rock Festival. So, other than seeing a line up full of interesting bands,…
Following TPA’s review of The Great Divide, multi-instrumentalist and composer John Holden kindly agreed to talk with Jane Lee where he elaborates on the artistic vision that has shaped his music. Jane Lee [JL]: Hi John. Thanks for agreeing to…
At a time when, seemingly at least, Punk ruled the airwaves and snarling teenagers were saying naughty words on the TV – it looked like bands with talent were threatened with oblivion. Some carried on regardless, other bands folded, while some…
TPA’s Dann Chinn covers all bases in this long chat with Michael Woodman, who gives us the lowdown on his new album Hiss of Today, and much, much more besides… Dann Chinn (DC): Let’s talk about stories, Michael, and storytelling,…
