Escape Music [Release date 22.07.22]
Second album from Compass, the band formed by Steve Newman, who is more known for his melodic rock efforts in Newman, He is joined by vocalist Ben Green, Newman bassist David Bartlett and drummer Toni Lakush. Good to see all four involved again after Compass’s highly recommended 2020 debut.
Compass have gone even more prog on this album as ‘Theory Of Tides’ is a concept album. The album is based on the life, works, and inner turmoil of the famous astronomer and scientist Galileo Galilei.
The ten minute epic ‘Mountains on the Moon’ sets the tone for the whole album, featuring plenty of keys, precise guitar riffs, a strong driving rhythm and the melodic tones of Ben Green. It is good that Steve Newman has managed to keep some of the Newman sound as it makes this album more appealing to melodic rock fans who maybe a tad hesitant giving prog rock a go.
Lovely bit of guitar riffs and keys interplay on ‘The Assayer’, the nearest to a single on the album. Oh, and a nifty little bass solo to listen out for too. ‘Once In A Lifetime’ provides a ballad, reminiscent of 80’s Rush.
The album’s centre piece is the three part ‘Laws Of Nature’ which is where the Dream Theater comparisons come in, as it tells a story through not only the music, but also through the music’s ebbs and flows. It is a classic headphones listen with the album’s finest guitar solo on ‘Laws Of Nature Dialogue I – Fly To The Sun’, with the keyboards solo not far behind!
Compass have done it again, keeping all the musical treats we enjoyed on their debut and adding even more magic & sparkle. Unlike some prog which can, let’s be honest, unravel in a mess of overlong ‘look at me’ soloing, Compass keep an eye and ear on melody at all times. ****
Review by Jason Ritchie
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.
Next session: Sunday 1 December
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 on 20 October 2024.
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 22 October 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
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 again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024
THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)
Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections
