https://solsticeprog.uk/ [Release date 04.04.25]

I should start this by saying “where have Solstice been all my reviewing life?” I have been vaguely aware of their existence, more familiar with their album ‘Prophecy’ (2013), but it is only now that they are really burning their way into my frontal cortex.

They have a loyal following, receive plaudits from all the right prog places, but a lack of touring (and continuity of albums) and changing line-ups probably accounts for their “best kept secret” status. Band leader Andy Glass is a real trooper and, in spite of time engineering for several big name artists, admits Solstice has always been his passion (and since at least 1980!). Hopefully ‘Clann’ (named as a tribute to their wider “family” of supporters) will open up the floodgates.

When I directed one-time GRTR! scribe Pete Whalley to the track ‘Life’ he came back enthusiastically describing them as a “A bit of Clannad, a bit of Renaissance, a bit of Magenta/Christina Booth, a bit of Karnataka…” . All these are great bands but in truth, Solstice should be greater in terms of wider acceptance. They literally need a bigger stage, with a blend of eight musicians including backing singers.

Musically, there is a jazzy and sometimes folk or world flavoured hue to the tracks which are highlighted by the female lead vocal. Jess Holland is that person, replacing Heidi Kemp in 2020. But she has in tow Ebony Buckle and Dyane Crutcher as backing singers. Graft on keyboards (Steven McDaniel), a tight rhythm section (Peter Helmsley and Robin Phillips), Jenny Newman’s fiddle and the superb guitar of Glass.

‘Firefly’ opens the proceedings with the synth/fiddle interplay providing a Jon Anderson/Yes-like vibe, showcasing the female vocalists. Glass is a talented player but doesn’t dominate, when he does let rip it is always in tune with the melody and always with a sense of purpose.

The standout is ‘Life’ with a superb, persistent groove, uplifting lyrics and those wonderful vocals. When Glass comes in following the mid-song breakdown, and female harmonies, it only gets better.

‘Plunk’ changes tack with an unexpected funk backbeat and a brass section! Wonderful.

‘Frippa’ continues the groove and attests Glass’ former incarnation providing backup to R&B artists such as Bill Withers and Geno Washington (following the first Solstice hiatus in 1985). Again there’s an attractive urgency and the band are not afraid to mix up the instrumentation. Jenny Newman’s fiddle adds a folk twist but also aligns with a band like Scottish fusionists Valtos.

The 13 minute ‘Twin Peaks’ is the most proggy of the album (a tale of two halves, with Holland’s aleatoric vocal and the Richard Wright-patented looped keys ushering in a satisfying denouement). CD bonus track ‘Earthsong’ revives a piece included on their 1984 debut and is another highlight, this time with Ebony Buckle on lead vocal.

There is a charming, homespun and all-inclusive vibe that Solstice purvey and Clann can only widen their growing family of supporters. Utterly engrossing. *****

Review by David Randall

April 5th – Oundle, Victoria Hall
April 9th – Southampton, 1865
April 10th – Cardiff, Earl Haig Road
April 11th – Nottingham, Old Cold Store
April 12th – Huddersfield, Parish
April 13th – Sheffield, Corporation
April 17th – Colchester, Arts Centre
April 18th – Milton Keynes, Crauford Arms
April 20th – London, Tufnell Park Dome

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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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.

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Power Plays w/c 7 April 2025

SEVEN BLOOD To The Unknown (indie)
FROM FALL TO SPRING Incomplete (Arising Empire)
POP EVIL Side Effects (MNRK Heavy)
ERJA LYYTINEN Abyss (Tuohi Records)
SKY VALLEY MISTRESS Too Many Ghosts (New Heavy Sounds)

Featured Albums w/c 7 April 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)

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