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Steven Wilson

An Evening with Steven Wilson Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith, London Wednesday 27th January 2016 Sometimes we possibly try too hard to make sense of things when in fact what we should probably do is just sit back and enjoy them. Yet…

Karda Estra – Future Sounds EP

It is always a treat to be reviewing anything beamed down from the rarefied world of Karda Estra, and the new(ish) EP Future Sounds is no exception to that rule. Karda Estra, aka Richard Wileman, has followed up their last…

John Kongos – Kongos (Expanded Edition)

In my youth during the seventies, having discovered music I devoured whatever appealed to me at the time. I remember hearing Tokoloshe Man by John Kongos, liking what I heard and going out and buying the single. Still have it…

Gandalf’s Fist – A Forest of Fey

Now I admit to having a problem with the name of this band, although you can blame that on an association with Julian Clary’s “infamous” joke featuring Norman Lamont. But never mind, it wasn’t even a good joke. Gandalf’s Fist…

Richard Barbieri

Lunchtime Recital and Workshop – St.Paul’s Hall, Huddersfield University Thursday, 28th January 2016 When is a musician a technician and when can a technician be a musician? Richard Barbieri, late of Japan and Porcupine Tree, made a lunchtime appearance at…

Ikarus – Echo

Ikarus are based in Zurich and variously describe themselves as “minimal groove”, “Nordic soundscape”, and “prog jazz”, and they are indeed all of these and more. Chief among the self-penned descriptions on their Facebook page is “EVOCATIVE MUSIC”. The uppercase…

Lazuli – Nos âmes saoules

French wonders Lazuli return with their sixth album, Nos âmes saoules, and – as with everything that this fantastic band do – I have been awaiting it eagerly. Cards on the table time: I am a huge fan. The glorious…

Rikard Sjöblom – The Unbendable Sleep

Multi-instrumentalist Rikard Sjöblom has had a busy time of late, from last year’s accomplished release +4626 Comfortzone with his band Beardfish to becoming part of the U.K. progressive rock band Big Big Train for their highly successful concerts at Kings…

The Room – Beyond the Gates of Bedlam

The Room are a recent signing to the growing roster of Bad Elephant Music, repeated listens over the last few days would lead me to describe them as a solid rock band with elements of prog. Bedlam, for those of…

Firefly Burning – Skeleton Hill

Three years on from their first album, Lightships, London avant-folk band Firefly have struck a match and become Firefly Burning for their second album Skeleton Hill. The resulting sulphurous heat produced has warmed their sound with an added urgency and…