Website [Release date 15.09.25]
Back in 2006 Canadian prog rockers Lightspeed released their third album ‘Waves’ and now we have their fourth album, ‘Delta’, which has had a challenging creation which including the passing of the band’s guitarist Gene Murray in 2018.
Songwriter, bassist & guitarist Rod Chappell remains at the heart of Lightspeed, joined by long-time vocalist John Persichini, who are joined by fellow vocalist Wilmer Waarbroek, guitarist Tommy Denander, drummer Holland Malmrose and on keyboards Howard Helm (who was also a member of 70s pomp rockers Zon along with Rod).
Various guest musicians lend their talents throughout including Oliver Wakeman, Luis Conte, John Helliwell (Supertramp), Norda Mullen (the Moody Blues) and Grand Design’s Janne Stark.
Lightspeed’s sound recalls those 70s greats like the aforementioned Zon, Styx and Kansas – plenty of prog, AOR choruses and lashings of pomp rock embellishments! Take the sax break on ‘Cast My Cares (To the Wind)’ or the simply wonderful pomp keys solo on ‘Different Light’. The latter song also features some of the most impressive guitar playing on the album.
‘On My Way’ has a Canned Heat meets CSN vibe, with flute of Norda Mullen weaving in and out of the layered harmony vocals. If, like this reviewer, you are a sucker for harmony vocals overload you will adore ‘Sunrise’, which really does match Styx in their vocal pomp.
The album’s two longest songs, ‘Onward’ and ‘Wish You Well (The Gweed)’ see the album finish on a prog rock high. The music on both is a definite treat on the headphones.
If this is to be Lightspeed’s swansong they are going out on a musical high and it makes for a fitting tribute to not only the band’s impressive musical catalogue, but also guitarist Gene Murray. ****
Review by Jason Ritchie
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