Album Reviews View More
Various Artists – Steppin’ Out: The Roots Of Garage Rock 1963-1965
I have to start with the context for this compilation, given that Strawberry / Cherry Red Records have already built up a collection of releases covering this period of American music history. This set, a 94-track companion volume being a…
Thistle Sifter – Forever The Optimist
English musician Pete Barnes (based in Utrecht, The Netherlands) formed the cinematic post-rock project Thistle Sifter, after a serious cycling accident in November 2020, during his rehabilitation to express personal emotions and struggles. Moving on from his first two previous…
Julian Lage – Scenes From Above
Can an eight-year-old kid have the blues, asked a 1996 Oscar-nominated documentary. It turned out he could – not only that, he could ‘have’ jazz too and play guitar like a pint-sized Pat Metheny. The kid was Californian prodigy Julian…
Various Artists – With A Little Help From My Friends (3CD Set)
Two years ago, I ended my review of We Can Work It Out: Covers of the Beatles, 1962 – 1966 with the following sentence: From the 1962 to 1966 caveat in the title, I’m hoping that Strawberry is working on…
The Prophets Of Zarquon – Galleon Ascending
The Prophets introduce their new album with a statement of intent: this is “a mind’s journey to places where conflicts are overcome.” What’s more: “Those who give their time will be truly blessed.” If you’re going to make a record,…
A Different Aspect (ADA) View More
A Different Aspect #99
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…
A Different Aspect #98
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 –…
Concert Reviews View More
Pete Roth Trio
The Forum, Darlington: Tuesday, 27th January 2026 Seven Arts, Leeds: Thursday 29th January 2026 For bands that are not always familiar to the average Progger, and their albums are not taking up space on their shelves, it is often the…
John Hackett Band / Dikajee
The Forum, Darlington Friday, 28th November 2025 Yes, before any of you go out of your way to point out that I have already reviewed both artists in April ’25 and mentioned the JHB in a festival review, I will…
Halestorm
O2 Arena, London Wednesday, 26th November 2025 Sometimes you go to a concert with quietly hopeful expectations, prepared for an enjoyable evening’s entertainment and the chance to hear a few of your favourite tunes. Then there are those rare evenings…
Tony Patterson and Doug Melbourne / Candacraig
St George’s Venue, Hartlepool Friday, 24th October, 2025 I think that I should start this review not with talk about the music, or bands, but with a brief discussion about the venue. But please indulge me as I think that,…
Paul McCartney
PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA Tuesday, 11th November 2025 When we think about the Beatles, we tend to imagine the happy-go-lucky, mop-topped lads from Liverpool (please) pleasing multitudes of fans in packed-out stadiums or gallivanting through psychedelic adventures in a…
Hackney Prog Fest 2025
Signature Brew Haggerston, London Saturday, 8th November 2025 It is a brave promoter who decides to put on yet another prog festival in this already saturated prog fest calendar, but Jordan Harris of Signature Brew is that man, and kudos…
Peacock Freakshow
The Queens Bar & Coffee House, Bridlington Saturday, 9th August 2025 On looking up the acts, prior to the day, it all seemed to be such an eclectic line-up that I struggled to see a common thread and not all…
Steve Hackett
Warner Theatre, Washington, DC Sunday 26th October 2025 When I interviewed Steve Hackett two years ago after he announced his “Lamb Highlights” tour for late 2024, I never imagined I’d be catching the end of it in October 2025. Speaking…
Interviews View More
NVRF 2025 – Day One
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,…
John Holden
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…
Des Tong – Sad Café and more…
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…
Michael Woodman
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,…
Al Winter – This Winter Machine
For those of you who are unfamiliar with today’s guest, and his band, firstly shame on you, but secondly, let me introduce him to you. In 2016 Al Winter formed the award winning This Winter Machine and captured people’s attention…
Richard Larcombe – Lost Crowns
To tie in with the review of the new Lost Crowns album, The Heart Is In The Body, main man Richard Larcombe and I met up at the Restaurant At The End Of The Universe for a virtual lunch, and…