M-Theory Audio [Release date 30.11.20]
Progressive Rock’s most famous unknown band, Scardust, released their second album, Strangers, to widespread critical acclaim in November last year. It was an unauspicious time to be releasing new product. Consequently, the label has “re-released” the album this month, clearly hoping to build commercial success on the back of an uninterrupted series of glowing reviews.
The sheer breadth and width of the music and lyrics – written by vocalist Noa Gruman and unofficial member, Orr Didi – pushes “progrock” beyond conventional boundaries. This is a “Tales of the Estranged” album, where events unfold as told by each side of the “Strangers’” story, with each chapter painted from a musical palette filled with classical colours and hard rock textures.
Guitars, bass, keys, a string quartet and a spectral choir take us worryingly close to symphonic sensory overload at times, but Gruman’s soaring vocals act as our guide … follow me and you’ll be just fine. As concepts go, this one has stamina.
Melodies come and go, some hit you between the eyes, others orbit in ever decreasing circles, negotiating slick (sometimes dizzying) time changes, eventually to crashland in your subconscious.
To pick a standout track from an album of standout tracks is impossible, but . . .
‘Break The Ice’ and ‘Addicted’ are sweet triumphs of invention and a lot of daring. We’ve heard these ingredients before, well used by Progrock bands, but not assembled in exactly this manner. These arrangements push the word ‘inventive’ to breaking point. And at times, in parts, songs like ‘Tantibus 2′ and ‘Under’ recall ELP in content and execution.
There isn’t a dull moment, and there are some truly great ones. And the fact that several tracks, like ‘Concrete Cages’ and ‘Over’, take time to reveal themselves is no accident – the effort required to get there is part of the payoff.
At a point in time when superlatives have been devalued by overuse, it’s no exaggeration to say that Strangers, the album is immense – an extraordinarily rich, intoxicating, complex mix of progressive rock styles and sources. If this one doesn’t do it, nothing will. ****1/2
Review by Brian McGowan
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
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. First broadcast 26 April 2026.
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). First broadcast on 21 April 2026
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 25 May 2026
BABY JANE Midnight Highway (Sped Up) (indie)
ASTRAL ROCKS The Flame In Me (Astral Rocks Prodns.)
INDIGO SYNDICATE dwn4smr (indie)
THE SKBS The Prying Eye (indie)
AGAINST THE CURRENT Dead Man Walking (indie)
ICONIC Tears Keep On Falling (Frontiers)
Featured Albums w/c 25 May 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)
