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[2006]
Public Symphony is the brainchild of TV music composer (including ‘The Travel Show’, ‘Rogue Traders’) Dobs Vye who, together with James Reynolds, released their one and only album in 2006.
When reviewing the album I opined: “‘Public Symphony’ is a superb blend of stirring choruses, electronica, chill-out and prog. Imagine Coldplay, Pink Floyd and Massive Attack at a party gatecrashed by Ian Brown, and you’ll be getting the plot.”
As with many independent albums of the time, and in spite of a remix a year or so later, the work failed to make any real impact. It still repays investigation and listeners will find it hugely optimistic and uplifting – a vibe definitely suited to uncertain times.
My review continued: “It is probably invidious to pick out highlights because, frankly, there are so many. If you’ve heard the track ‘Stronger’ you’ll know what we’re talking about. ‘Breakthrough’ could be Human League at their very best. ‘Rise And Shine’ is yet another rousing anthem that should be mandatory listening whilst straightening the skirt or tie before work.”
“Most of all, these tunes are paeans to love lost, love regained, and love affirmed not only in personal relationships but in human kind. It’s both expansive, uplifting and totally convincing.”
The duo only played a handful of promotional gigs including the BBC Club in London when Pete Feenstra commented that “…the duo’s material exceeded expectations. The melodic swoops … the ethereal hooks, the measured use of layered keyboards and Dobs’ delicate vocal timbre remind the listener of say Coldplay, Pink Floyd, or even 80′s movers and shakers like The Korgis and Rupert Hine.”
To help promote the album Vye collaborated with various animation and film makers, and so the gigs featured a video screen backdrop. This was an aspect he hoped to expand giving punters a complete audio/visual experience. An intended second album, aided by crowd funding, has failed to materialise.
David Randall
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
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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 on 2 March 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). This show was first broadcast on 4 March 2025
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Power Plays w/c 24 March 2025
HARRI LARKIN Too Close To The Sun (Robot Distro)
SANDNESS Not Your Dog (Rockshots Records)
DOCTOR BLACK Drag Me Down (indie)
COHEED AND CAMBRIA Goodbye Sunshine (Virgin Music Group)
LEONI JANE KENNEDY Closer (indie)
SMALL TOWN POLITICS Red Lights (indie)
Featured Albums w/c 24 March 2025
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (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.
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