Share the post "Album review: ROBERT REED – Sanctuary IV"
Tigermoth Records [Release date 16.04.25]
I can’t quite understand Robert Reed’s obsession with Mike Oldfield. ‘Tubular Bells’ was a landmark album but in some respects very much of its time. Yes, it made greater impact in 1973 because of Oldfield’s multi-instrumentalist prowess and compositional skills but not least it put Richard Branson’s Virgin label firmly on the map accompanied by a string of record stores (and bean bags). In that sense it will always be symbolic of a burgeoning age for rock music.
Given that Oldfield himself reinvented the motifs on subsequent albums (the latest being in 2003) do we really need any more re-invention?
Sanctuary is an extended love letter to an artist admired by Reed and Oldfield (who announced his retirement in 2023) would surely be flattered. As you might expect it’s all immaculately executed and with the authentic collaboration of original co-producer Tom Newman.
Reed has again enlisted ace session drummer Simon Phillips (Toto) and Les Penning (recorder) both of whom have worked with Oldfield. (Reed has also been working with one-time Oldfield vocalist Barry Palmer and released the single ‘Fly Away’ and a remake of ‘Crime Of Passion’).
Those who wish to be reminded of the original Oldfield works – including Oldfield’s idiosyncratic guitaring – will find much to enjoy. Inveterate proggers may question why Reed isn’t more fully focused on his other great (and enduring) enterprise – Magenta – (or even Chimpan A)?
When I reviewed the first ‘Sanctuary’ album (in 2014) I didn’t hold out too much hope for this project’s longevity but here we are. Sanctuary IV comes with the inevitable 5.1 surround mix and various promo videos. One for listening to on a bean bag. ****
Review by David Randall
Album review (Sanctuary, 2014)
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
Upcoming sessions:
February 15
March 8
April 12
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. This “Best of 2025 reviewer choices” show was first broadcast on 21 December 2025.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). Pete’s Best of 2025 was first broadcast on 23 December 2025
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.
More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 26 January 2026
JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR Hell Or High Water (Journeyman Records)
TY FREEMAN One Way Love (indie)
GREY DAZE Monster You Adore (indie)
HOKKA Death By Cupids Arrow (Nuclear Blast Records)
PURPLE DOTS Stared At The Sun (Kycker)
SAINT AGNES Song For Mia (Spinefarm)
STREETLIGHT Shake That Feeling (Frontiers)
Featured Albums w/c 26 January 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)
Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings. The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.
If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:
If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device
(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.
Recent (last 30 days)
Share the post "Album review: ROBERT REED – Sanctuary IV"
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections
