Madfish [Release date 16.10.26]

Following 2020’s instrumental concept album The Red Planet, the keyboard wizard, for Yes man and raconteur returns to expand on this concept, this time with vocals. Rick Wakeman found fame initially with The Strawbs, and several stints with prog rock legends Yes, and both during and in-between has released a of solo over 100 solo albums as well as film soundtracks. While some albums have spread their wings into classical, new-age and ambient, Wakeman has returned to prog rock here, complete with concept, soundscapes and some damn fine music.

The English Rock Ensemble are guitarist Dave Colquhoun, bassist Lee Pomeroy, drummer Adam Falkner and guest vocalist Mollie Marriott (daughter of the legendary Steve Marriott).

Opener The Jezero Crater opens with some big pomp keyboards and some wonderful atmospheric and powerful chords, as well as some flashy noodling; the vocals work incredibly well too. Bright, modern, yes classically prog too. Seven majestic minutes. Bowie’s Vision, the marching band style drums add a good atmosphere. A mid paced track with some searing guitar. The reference to Wakeman’s late and good friend David Bowie is likely to be a nod to Life On Mars, a track Wakeman played on.

Track three (side 2 of the LP) is Nodis Labyrinthius; beneath the effects is a solid rhythm and a great tune, and Wakeman gets to show off his playing too. You can picture his head nodding (even banging) as he’s playing the keys at a couple of points.

Nochis Terra (Land Of Noah) nods in a church music direction, there are folk and medieval leanings elsewhere, but this is all classic and accessible prog thus far and throughout.

The vocals match the music perfectly, and are equally expressive, yet the lengthy instrumental passages allow each instrument, especially (but not excessively) the keyboards, to talk, express, create atmospheres. The background choir vocal effect adds depth to the soundscape too. Music talks too, and tracks like Witch Hazel Hill show you that perfectly. The Epochs Of Mars summarises the expressiveness, encapsulation and sheer wonderfulness of the music at every level. The CD is a good package, but the 2LP is really worth getting your hands on. A 2LP in a gatefold sleeve. Two solid clear vinyl LPs that play at 45 rpm, in inner sleeves, you get the concept, the band, the full package, and in true Madfish form, the sound on the vinyl is absolutely spot on; clean, clarity, depth, range, there is absolutely nothing not to relish and enjoy.

If you love prog music with a modern vintage edge, you’ll love this. I didn’t have any Wakeman in my collection. I do now. *****

Review by Joe Geesin

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

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Josh now hosts “Taerk’s Tracks” as part of the Singer Songwriter Sunday sequence on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio.

This is the first show broadcast on 27 September. Josh presents some of his inspirational artists and tracks.

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Power Plays w/c 12 October 2026

TAKIDA – Lion’s Den (Drongo Records)
SCARDUST – Symphony (Frontiers)
ANBERLIN – Gravity (Rude Records/Equal Vision Records)
MISSING TOYS – Lifeline (Pride & Joy Music)
SWEET GORILLA – It’s Your Life (5000 Records)
ROYAL BLOOD – Dead Company (Warner Records)

Featured Albums w/c 12 October 2026

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)

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