The experiences of childhood can have a profound effect upon our adult life. Our early memories might trigger pleasure, nostalgia or embarrassment; but in some cases, they may be so traumatic they leave us scarred for life. Should we attempt…
View More Drowning Steps – The Bravery Of A Tireless Mind: Book One
“Where words fail, music speaks”: Hans Christian Andersen’s statement perfectly expresses the way music can evoke images, re-ignite memories and speak directly to our emotions with a directness that words alone cannot achieve. The burning question is, just how does…
View More Andrew Wild and R. Douglas Helvering – Time & Tide: The Songs Of Big Big Train
Abingdon United Football Club, Oxfordshire 16th July to 18th July 2026 The mighty Mark Cunningham, a man (mostly) exuding an exterior calm while controlling a thousand-and-one things fighting for attention beneath the surface, has produced yet another feat of organisation…
View More Prog For Peart 2026
In a world where we are constantly bombarded with information and distractions, what really matters to us? In his latest album, Filter, Grice explores the social filters determining how we relate – or fail to relate – with each other,…
View More Grice – Filter
“Searching for a place Find a different way Let go of what has gone And cannot be returned” These lyrics from Woodcut, Big Big Train’s sixteenth studio album, seem singularly appropriate. As the founder, bassist and last standing original member…
View More Big Big Train – Woodcut
Ever since childhood, two of my favourite pastimes have been losing myself in fictional worlds and exploring new music, so a contemporary band that can tell an enthralling musical story is potentially onto a winner. Retreat From Moscow’s 2022 debut,…
View More Retreat From Moscow – The Illusion Of Choice
Deposed King have held a special place in my affections ever since I chose their superb debut, One Man’s Grief, for my very first music review in The Progressive Aspect. The Budapest-based duo comprises Daniel Kriffel (playing or programming most…
View More Deposed King – Letters To A Distant Past
Open up the toy box, open up your mind ‘Cos anything can happen in this place Take a step inside The door is open wide (From Tigers in the Butter) Peter Jones – composer, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire – is…
View More Tiger Moth Tales – A Visit To Trading Boundaries
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…
View More John Holden
The link between music and the visual arts is a profound one. Although it deals with abstract sounds, music can vividly paint images and scenes upon the blank canvas of our minds as we listen. Capture Light, the outstanding title…
View More John Holden – The Great Divide