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There are a few bands I’ve seen over the years in fairly quick succession: Hawkwind in the early seventies. Magnum in the early 1990s. I’m getting that way with Solstice.
I last saw the band barely six months ago at a neighbouring venue – the quirky Jellyman’s Mill - a real highlight of gig going in 2025.
Fast forwarding to the newly refurbished Town Hall and what a difference a venue makes, with immaculate sound, lighting, and – for those of a certain disposition – seats!
Whilst the setlist might remain similar, the combination of smart surroundings and the usual band dynamic made for a different ambience.
If the harem aspect was not quite so in evidence (Ebony Buckle where the hell are you?) there was the welcome return of previously incapacitated Dyane Crutcher who excelled on ‘Plunk’.
As ever, the gig was amiably marshalled by the engaging Andy Glass who considered – referring to the somewhat modest crowd – if he dedicated a song to each of them they wouldn’t run out of songs.
There’s no doubt that Solstice play to the faithful – their “guardians” – but more of them should have travelled tonight.
With the band basking in the glory of several poll wins in Prog magazine I think therein lies the problem. They are not strictly prog, eclectic yes, funky definitely. In fact frequently jazz fusion. This is especially evident with the addition of Theo Travis on the video accompanying the latest live release.
As latest recruit (and support tonight) Leoni Jane Kennedy says in the documentary footage: you can’t fit Solstice into a box.
Whilst it’s good to receive prog plaudits, prog has an ageing core demographic…
Amongst the highlights tonight was a track missing from the Jellymans setlist. ‘Guardian’ is a wonderful showcase for Andy’s extended playout. He deploys a completely engrossing and very gutsy delivery guaranteed to get heads banging.
This is repeated on another standout ‘Wongle No.9′ with its wonderfully rhythmic undertow. Glass’ syncopated chording is the perfect entre and from there it just gets better culminating in an almighty Glass/Kennedy wig-out. A fan has even made a wongle sticker to identify the correct guitar as Andy invariably forgets which one to use.
Bass player Robin told me later that this is actually a tricky tune to play but it always sounds good. As an aside Robin’s mother was in the first lineup of the band and he’s been with them since the late 1990s.
Also a feature of this gig was the addition of ‘Bulbul Tarang’ and a cracking version of Yes’ ‘Your Move’ dovetailed seamlessly into ‘Sacred Run’.
There are more gigs and festivals lined up this year and Solstice deserve to expand that current audience demographic.
Coupled with a wonderful, friendly venue (reminding me of Sub-Rooms in Stroud) six months on Solstice were once again … Magnificent.
Support tonight came from Leoni Jane Kennedy now a permanent addition to the band. We first heard Leoni with two singles released in 2025 and were quietly impressed. It is a sign of a good song when it is just as good performed acoustically. Leoni also has a good voice. Watch out for a new album in 2026.
Setlist:
New Life/ Firefly/ Guardian/ Life/ Plunk/ Frippa/ Bulbul Tarang/ Wongle No 9/ Mount Ephraim/ A New Day / Encores: Your Move/ Sacred Run
Review and photos by David Randall
Gig review (August 2025)
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Power Plays w/c 16 February 2026
THE ANCIENT UNKNOWN Separated (indie)
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