segunda-feira, janeiro 29, 2018

Gong Expresso's New Album “Decadence” Available For Pre-Order!


Featuring Gong Alumni Francois Causse, Benoit Moerlen and Hansford Rowe! 

Montreal - Gong Expesso featuring Gong alumni Francois Causse, Benoit Moerlen and Hansford Rowe with guitarist Julien Sandiford's new album titled "Decadence" is now available for pre-order!

Says Hansford, " 'Decadence' is the title tune on the new Gong Expresso album. Here the word means 'falling away.' I hope this tune and all the music on the album somehow addresses this in an unadorned, direct way. When I play with these 3 musicians I am convinced there is something special happening, a coming together. Benoit Moerlen (vibes, marimba) and Francois Causse (drums, perc) and I began playing together in early 1977 in PM's Gong and our rapport is of the kind only long term relationships can provide. On the other hand Julien who is 25 has been alive less time than I have been playing with the others. Yet our musical relationship feels infinitely long. We are recording in two cities, Paris and Montreal. Francois' studio in Paris is a tuned percussion church and Piccolo Studios in Montreal is owned by Denis Savage who is co-producing with the band. He is known for his work with Celine Dion."

Featuring:
Francois Causse - drums, percussion
Julien Sandiford - guitar
Benoit Moerlen - vibes, marimba
Hansford Rowe - bass


PM's Gong was a major branch of the massive Gong tree. In the mid 1970's drummer Pierre Moerlen separated from Daevid Allen marking an end to the Flying Teapot period and a powerful jazz/rock unit was formed and signed to Virgin Records. Pierre's brother Benoit Moerlen, Hansford Rowe, Francois Causse, Allan Holdsworth were core members. Many major guests joined them both on albums and touring. Mick Taylor, Mike Oldfield, and French violinist Didier Lockwood were key participants. Mike Oldfield occasionally used the PMG rhythm section for touring also calling on members for albums such as "Ommadawn", "Incantations", "Exposed" and "Platinum." Pierre Moerlen sadly passed away on May 5th, 2005.

In concert Gong Expresso mines their huge repertoire and has exceptional guests joining them regularly. Along with the release of their new album, the band will be releasing a new video soon.

Gong Expresso's "Decadence" will be distributed digitally worldwide through The Orchard on Feb 20, 2018.

To pre-order Gong Expresso's "Decadence": https://www.gongexpresso.com/store

For more information: https://www.gongexpresso.com

New album by Canadian ULVESANG in March!

NEWS FROM THE NORTH

ULVESANG


After their successful self-titled debut Canadian ULVESANG returns with their new album "The Hunt" on March 16th. Following in the footsteps of their magnificent debut the Canadians once more manage to create a wonderful acoustic folk album. With "The Hunt" ULVESANG proves again to be a very promising duo within the genre of acoustic folk and neofolk.
 
 
ULVESANG - The Hunt
Acoustic folk
CD/LP/Digital
 
The air hangs heavy in the air, exhaled by a huddle of men – alert and eager to set off. The long grass is stiff with frost and a murder of crows wait in a nearby tree. They understand. They too are ready for the hunt. The anticipation is unbearable as the invocation begins. Reverence and ceremony are key. There is no cutting corners and the rite only serves to heighten the senses and sharpen the mind. There is an ancient awe in the air and a feeling of connection to the past; to those who walked this same crisp ground before. Alex Boyd & Ana Dujakovic reflect on the poignancy of such a connection. The melancholy that sits in between the moments of excitement. The tinge of sorrow that follows a successful hunt. The sense of purpose has been and gone. The afterglow has given way to regret and unease. A beautiful creature has died that we may persevere. Is that the chants of our ancestors carried on the wind? Are they proud? Perhaps that is enough. Perhaps that is everything. To use the term neofolk here would be ironic as Ulvesang have reached back beyond the past and found not only a connection to those who came before, but also an unearthly primordial magic. Surely that is the very definition of true folk music.
 
Pre-order links:
 
Follow ULVESANG:
 
OFFICIAL SINGLE  
 
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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-Zine

Southern Rockers OTIS To Tour Europe & US In Support Of New Album “Eyes Of The Sun”



"Stunning!" - Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top 

From the American South, Kentucky, comes southern blues rock champions, OTIS, who released their critically acclaimed second album "Eyes Of The Sun" on Purple Pyramid Records in September 2017. The album was Executive Produced by Grammy winning Blues/Rock guitar great Paul Nelson (Johnny Winter, PNB). Now in support of the release OTIS is hitting the road in Spring 2018!

Says OTIS, "We're excited to hit the road again to share our music with our fans all across the world by looking to the example set by fellow home town friends ‪Black Stone Cherry‬ and ‪The Kentucky HeadHunters.‬ Their guidance and support over the years has been very humbling for us and has helped us develop into the band we are today.  We are thankful and blessed to be able to be ourselves whenever we get to play live onstage and that's all that any artist could every really hope for. Can't wait to see all of our Otis family on the road in Europe and the US in 2018!"

OTIS Europe & US Tour Dates:
02.03. UK London - Boston Music Room
04.03. NL Amsterdam - Melkweg
06.03. DE Düsseldorf - Pitcher
07.03. DE Hamburg - Hafenklang
08.03. DE Köln - Blueshell
09.03. DE Frankfurt - Nachtleben
12.03. DE Munich - Backstage Club
13.03. AT Klagenfurt - Mammut Bar
14.03. AT Wien - Arena Beisl
03/22 - The Local, Nashville TN
03/23 - Midtown Billiards, Little Rock AR
03/28 - Preservation Pub, Knoxville TN
03/29 - Sidetracks Music Hall, Huntsville AL
03/30 - The Hummingbird, Macon GA
03/31 - Thirsty Devil, Tupelo MS
04/04 - Backstage Lubbock, Lubbock TX
04/05 - Burt's Tiki Lounge, Albuquerque NM
04/06 - LoudHouse Rock and Roll Bar, Phoenix AZ
04/07 - Arcadia Blues Club, Arcadia CA
04/11 - The Walnut Room, Denver CO
04/12 - Duffy's Tavern, Lincoln NE
04/14 - Gibson Music Hall, Appleton WI
04/19 - Winchester Music Tavern, Cleveland OH
04/21 - Riblickers Smoke Shack, Glasgow KY
04/28 - Reggies, Chicago IL
05/18 - John Browns, Marion IL

"If ever there were a band to fill the new top spot in the Jam Blues Rock scene and the void left by loss of groups like the Allman Brothers... 'OTIS' is it. This tight unit of talent from the back woods Kentucky has everything it takes to become one of music's next great classic Blues Rock Bands!"- Paul Nelson

The band has earned accolades from ZZ Top guitarist Billy F. Gibbons who hailed the band's "fine singing, sweet guitar tones...all around enjoyable listening!"

Check out the video for the band's new single "Blind Hawg": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmOaiHc36_M

Deep in South Central Kentucky authentic music is alive and well through native musicians who are still testifying to brothers and sisters all around the world. OTIS has taken in a steady diet of Roots, Blues, and Classic Rock and Roll, and created their own unique sound. OTIS draws from the raw electric sounds of Muddy Waters and stirs in a heavy influence of Southern sounds, courtesy of The Allman Brothers Band, Wet Willie, and more. This sums up what the sound of OTIS is musically and gives a glimpse into the sound and soul of the four-piece band.

The members of OTIS consist of Boone Froggett vocals/guitar, Steve Jewell guitar, John Seeley bass, and Andrew Gilpin drums. The members of OTIS share the same vision of writing and creating organic music while taking their audience to church by hitting on all emotions. If a stage filled with vintage music gear and Blues flavored Rock and Roll music is something you enjoy, then it's time to drink from the healing waters of OTIS! The OTIS electric Rock 'n' Roll revival is coming soon to a town near you!


To purchase OTIS's "Eyes Of The Sun":
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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-Zine

quarta-feira, janeiro 17, 2018

Prog Ensemble Tautologic Releases Re:Psychle An Album of Songs About Chicago


Chicago, IL - Tautologic will release Re:Psychle, a CD of songs inspired by real-life Chicagoans. Beginning in early 2018, Re:Psychle will be available through the band's own label - Turtle Down Music (http://www.turtledown.com) - and at Tautologic's live performances. The album will also be available as a download from Bandcamp, CDBaby, iTunes, and Amazon.

Based in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, Tautologic bandleader Ethan Sellers is an alumni of the University of Chicago. Written within blocks of the University and the Obama mansion, Sellers' songs forRe:Psychle document people he has met around the Chicago area.

Addiction and mental illness color many of their stories, and the lyrics open up windows on a host of topics - veterans' issues, tension between religious belief and a secular society, addiction, conspiracy theories, materialism, mental health, celebrity culture, and the need for re-connection with nature.

Says Ethan, "Re:Psychle is a multi-layered title. It's obviously a pun on 'recycle,' which is sort of a cheeky reference to the fact that the album took so long to come out that it might seem like we were recycling old material. 'Re:' also means 'about' - and it's about 'psychle,' which is a portmanteau of 'Psych' (from the Greek for breath, spirit, or soul, with modern connotations from the field of psychology) and cycle, both in the sense of things that repeat and the mode of transportation. Indeed, two songs on the album revolve around bicycles, including 'The Choirboy,' about an acquaintance who was convicted of robbing 10 banks in 7 states, using only a bicycle as his getaway vehicle.

"In the end, 'Re:Psychle' is about problems of the spirit that keep coming back.

"My goal with these songs was not to present a parade of local oddities, but to use real people's struggles to highlight issues with wider resonance."

U.S. and European reviewers have compared Tautologic's songs to Genesis, Gentle Giant, Beatles, and Fairport Convention - and Re:Psychle will no doubt expand upon that impressive list of comparisons. In addition to Tautologic's potent 6-piece lineup, Sellers's arrangements for strings and woodwinds add musical color. Special guests include members of Grammy award-winning chamber group Eighth Blackbird and Grammy-nominated acid jazz band Liquid Soul.

Sellers engineered the recording at his own studio space in Hyde Park (Chicago, IL), with additional tracking taking place at Rax Trax Recording in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago. The album was mixed in 2006 by Grammy-nominated producer Rick Barnes at Rax Trax and mastered in 2017 by Grammy-nominated engineer Randy LeRoy at Airshow Mastering. For the 11 years in between, Sellers postponed the album's release while starting a family and weathering the Recession as a professional musician, but the band continued to perform.

Jim DeRogatis of NPR's Sound Opinions radio show calls Tautologic's music "an impressively ambitious example of virtuosic musicianship and deft arrangements navigating myriad sounds and styles without ever losing that essential melodic thread or propulsive rock drive."

In support of the band's new release, Tautologic will play several shows before heading back into the studio. They have a follow-up that's about 80% recorded.

Sellers concludes, "We seem to be at a turning point - politically, socially, economically, culturally, and economically. The price of repeating the same mistakes (recycling them, as it were) is getting very high. People who struggle at the margins are often 'canaries in the coal mine' - they can tell us how the everyday toxicity of modern life hurts the most sensitive of us. It's up to us as a society to listen to their stories - not simply dismiss them for their foibles - and work to make a liveable world for everyone."

Purchase direct from Turtle Down Music: http://turtledown.com
Album info, lyrics, credits, back-story, videos, etc.: http://repsychle.tautologic.com

Melodic Rock Band Odin's Court Releases Sixth Studio Album Turtles All The Way Down: Vol II



Progressive Rock and Metal for fans of Pink Floyd, Dream Theater, Devin Townsend, Porcupine Tree, HIM, Iron Maiden, Journey, and Queen 

Baltimore, MD, USA based progressive rock and metal band Odin's Court are excited to announce Turtles All the Way Down: Vol. II is available as of 2018 January 5 through Melodic Revolution Records!

Turtles All the Way Down: Vol II is a continuation of Odin's Court's 2013 concept album Turtles All the Way Down. Turtles All the Way Down explores deep issues about mankind's understanding of the universe, the individual, and how each new discovery may challenge what we think we understand about our surroundings.

Brookins comments on the latest release: "This album takes it up a notch from where Dimetrius, Rick, and I left off with the previous album. I think Turtles II has our best material and production yet. I know artists often say these types of things when talking about a new release, but I think Gary Raub's drum style adds a nice vibe to the sound we previously established. We also went for some 'epic' sounding choruses on this one with layered choirs, which are nicely supplemented by the beautiful voice of Michelle Loose Schrotz (of mid-Atlantic based band Brave). I think this album also has a big, ambient, and dense sound, but even with that big sound, we still maintain focus on 'the song' because that's what it's all about – the messages and emotions that music attempts to deliver."

The new album features 8 tracks of melodic hard rock, prog, and metal, including an epic piece that is over 20 minutes long with full orchestration.

Track Listing:
 1. A Brief History of Time
 2. Will I See you Again?
 3. Unmoved Mover
 4. Killing Curiosity
 5. Event Horizon
 6. Infinite Regression
 7. The Burning Tides of Time
 8. My Final Journey

To purchase Odin's Court Turtles All the Way Down: Vol II:
MRR Bandcamp: bit.ly/2kcgskr
Odin's Court Bandcamp: bit.ly/2zF9NSE
Amazon USA: amzn.to/2Axzzb6
Amazon Japan: amzn.to/2CJJlgt
Amazon UK: amzn.to/2CFKTY5

Odin's Court:
Matt Brookins – Guitar, Vocals, Keyboard, and (Studio) Bass
Rick Pierpont – Guitar & Backing Vocals
Dimetrius LaFavors – Vocals
Gary Raub – Drums, Percussion, and Backing Vocals
Jason Pierpont – (Live) Bass Guitar

Official Sites:
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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-Zine

Arcadian Child Signs to Rogue Wave Records, the New Psychedelic/Garage Imprint of Ripple Music for World Wide Deal

Ripple Music is thrilled to announce the signing of European Psychedelic/garage rock band, Arcadian Child, to it's newest imprint Rogue Wave Records!

Arcadian Child were formed in Limassol, Cyprus, in 2013. Psyched, potent and intoxicating, they deliver daunting guitar-orientated psychedelia blended with ambient elements, hallucinogenic patterns and cathartic outbursts. With sounds rivaling the squealing sirens of the Mediterranean up to the dark bellows of the West, Arcadian Child convey their psychedelic ritual in their jam-filled live shows where they spread their hypnotic vibrations. Their debut album, "Afterglow" originally self-released on bandcamp the 29th of October, 2017, was widely acclaimed and received compelling support from the international psych/fuzz scene. 

Now Ripple Music is thrilled to welcome the lads to Rogue Wave Records, the new imprint of Ripple designed to focus on psychedelic/garage rock.  Bringing a new sense of melody and dynamics to the rock that Ripple is already world-famous for, Rogue Wave Records hit the scene 2017 with two releases, the Top 10 Album of Year "Pop Guilt" by Australian legendary garage/noise poppers, Screamfeeder, and "Come Down from the Mountain" by fellow Aussies , Sacred Shrines. 

Of signing to Rogue Wave Records, Arcadian Child said, "We are stoked to announce that we signed with Rogue Wave Records, the psychedelic/garage imprint of the mighty Ripple Music. We feel blessed to join the Ripple Music family, and be part of the umbrella that hosts bands we love such as The Flying Eyes and Mothership and have "Afterglow" released on a limited edition 12' vinyl and digipak in the summer. We are currently working on a concept album inspired by the hermetic philosophy, contemporary stimulants and challenges which is to be released later in 2018 by Rogue Wave Records. This is our attempt in decoding today's challenges after taking a deep dive into our subconscious."

"Afterglow" will be available world-wide on vinyl, CD and digital, and available via the complete distribution network of Ripple Music, as well as the Rogue Wave Bandcamp and Webstore pages.  Follow Rogue Wave Records on Facebook to learn all about the latest in psychedelic/garage rock.

Look for "Afterglow" to hit the streets late this spring.  Then let you mind run wild. 

The Band
Panayiotis I.G – Vocals, Guitars
Stathis Hadjicharalambous– Guitars
Andreas Kerveros – Bass, Backing Vocals
Christos Dimou – Drums 

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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-Zine

Rick Wakeman's The Real Lisztomania Limited Edition Box Set Now Available For Pre-Order!



The Real Lisztomania to be released as Rick Wakeman always wanted - available CD/DVD & Deluxe Box Set! 

London – Keyboard legend Rick Wakeman's The Real Lisztomania Limited Edition Box Set is now available for pre-order! This is an extremely rare find as the master tapes were long since considered destroyed. Back in 1975 Rick was asked to oversee and compose a lot of the music for the film Lisztomania, which was directed by Ken Russell. Rick was also given a part in the film in which he played the god Thor.

A soundtrack album was later produced by Rick, which was subsequently turned down by A&M Records, much to Rick's disgust. There were huge disputes going on at the time and they basically hated everything he produced even though he was selling albums for them in multi-millions. It is not commonly known that they actually turned down Journey To The Centre Of The Earth initially and it was only by forcing the contract that Rick had signed with them, that it was ever released. They also initially didn't want to release The Six Wives Of Henry VIII until some vocals were put on it!

After rejecting Rick's soundtrack master, A&M then produced a soundtrack of their own which had very little of Rick on it and yet they still thoughtfully put his name on the front cover along with that of Roger Daltrey! Rick was furious to say the least and hated the soundtrack album vehemently and told the press accordingly! It sold accordingly well! However, the film went on to become one of the cult films of all time and to find this original soundtrack is quite unbelievable as there was only one master ever in existence and yet somehow it has managed to survive more than 25 years in a box amongst some old football shorts! It was originally released as part of Rick's fabled, Treasure Chest box set of a limited edition of 500 on the Voiceprint label, copies of going for over £500 on eBay. Now back by popular demand, in its rightful place with the film it is the soundtrack of.

The tapes have been carefully re-mastered and all concerned believe that this is truly something special. Rick's idea was always to try and produce a completely different type of soundtrack and he produced this one by making it into a form of story with intermittent hilarious narration that runs throughout spoken by Paul Nicholas.

Guest vocalists include Roger Daltrey, Paul Nicholas & Linda Lewis. It may be more than 40 years since these altercations, but as they say, "Better late than never!" It's certainly a very different soundtrack to any that have ever been produced in the world of film music. It's very funny too, which is perhaps what we have come to expect from Rick with humour and music in one.

The box set, as well as other items, available will be shipped from UK for early April 2018



Rick Wakeman's official website: http://www.rwcc.com/
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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-Zine

MILE MARKER ZERO Announce Details on New Album "The Fifth Row", Reveal Teaser Video

WATCH ALBUM TEASER HERE


Connecticut-based prog rockers MILE MARKER ZERO are excited to announce their sophomore full-length concept album, "The Fifth Row", scheduled for release on March 2, 2018. Consisting of 15 tracks which brilliantly showcase the band's melodic hooks and unique
arrangements, the record was self-recorded at the band's home studio before being sent for mastering via Andy Vandette (Rush, Devin Townsend).

Vocalist Dave Alley revealed the concept behind the album stating, "The Fifth Row, is a reference to the legend of "rice and the chessboard" and is frequently used by futurists as a way to show exponential growth in technology. As a society, humanity is currently in the "fifth row" of the chessboard, a time which changes in technology happen so fast that they are almost impossible to accurately forecast or predict. The role of artificial intelligence and technology in our lives is a pretty hot topic right now. When we decided that we were going to do a concept album, it just seemed like the perfect topic to dive into given how we grew up and how technology influenced our lives." 

On behalf of the cover artwork, as seen featured above, Alley added, "The album cover is filled with small references that are important to the band, and to our story. Growing up, we were all big fans of 2001: A Space Odyssey, and for the album cover we wanted to tip our cap to that film. Showcasing a monolithic element on the cover was the perfect way to pay tribute. The chess piece representing the dominant power in our story's future and the eclipse symbolizing the end of mankind's reign here on earth. Even the landscape itself is a deliberate reference to our first self titled album."

Hear a sneak peek of "The Fifth Row" in the teaser video clip here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRvd8FL_rRQ

"The Fifth Row" Track Listing
1.   Source Code
2.   2001
3.   Digital Warrior
4.   Architect 
5.   Building A Machine
6.   Victory 
7.   JCN 
8.   Middle Game
9.   Propoganda
10. Sacred Geometry
11. Clarity 
12. U.I.
13. 2020
14. Age Of Jason 
15. Collective

MILE MARKER ZERO formed in 2005 when brothers Dave (vocals) and Doug (drums) Alley, alongside childhood friend Mark Focarile (keys), met guitarist John Tuohy and original bassist Tim Rykoski at Western Connecticut State University. They released their debut EP, "The Haunted", in 2006 and began to captivate audiences as they were seen performing alongside the likes of Porcupine Tree, Underoath, Spocks Beard and Devil Wears Prada.

Having created a buzz in the Northeastern prog circuit, the band eagerly returned to the studio to record their debut full-length effort in 2009 and were the first-ever unsigned artist to be featured in the popular Harmonix/ MTV Games video game series, RockBand. The band continued to make several live appearances including gigs with Periphery, Scale the Summit, Nothing More, Adrenaline Mob, Fair to Midland and more. In 2014, the band released their most acclaimed effort to date with the electrifying "Young Rust" EP, which was lauded as "a must-listen for fans of commercial progressive music" (Metal Insider) and saw the band receive the award for "Best Band (Connecticut)" at the New England Music Awards. 

MILE MARKER ZERO lineup
Dave Alley - Vocals
John Tuohy - Guitar
Mark Focarile - Keyboards
Jaco Lindito - Bass
Doug Alley - Drums

MILE MARKER ZERO Online
Facebook.com/milemarkerzero
Twitter.com/mmzofficial
Instagram.com/mmzofficial

Zombie Picnic new album 2018

The new album will be released on March 9th this year. It's called "Rise of a New Ideology" and will be distributed by Burning Shed in the UK.

We're really happy with this one. It has higher production values, some great "prog" artwork by well-known French digital artist "Tohad" and a high-quality vinyl release.

The music is still instrumental in nature with sound effects and voice clips and some strong Pink Floyd vibes but I think the music stretches us into some new places as well (just check out the first track "Democracy Cannot Survive"!).

https://www.facebook.com/ZombiePicnic/
https://zombiepicnic1.bandcamp.com/.

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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-Zine
http://www.progressiverockbr.com
http://progrockmetal.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/carlosvaz.ferreira

terça-feira, janeiro 09, 2018

KAYAK – launch animated video for ‘La Peregrina’



Legendary Dutch progressive rock band KAYAK will release their seventeenth studio album entitled "Seventeen" next Friday on the 12th January 2018. Today they have launched an animated video for the track 'La Peregrina', the second single to be taken from the album, and you can watch that here:

 Founding member Ton Scherpenzeel comments: "'La Peregrina' is the story about the merciless passing of time and the vanity of man, as observed by the legendary pearl that represents eternal beauty. It watches the rise and fall of kings and serves to enhance the status of queens who wear it, and knows all their secrets. An intriguing idea that inspired me to write this longest epic – the album version is almost 12 minutes long - on the new KAYAK album."
 
Ton comments on the upcoming new record:
"Who would have thought that the quirky Dutch prog band that began its journey in 1973 (the year "See See The Sun" came out) would still have a future some 45 years later. Yes, we have had our share of ups and downs. Often it seemed the band would either break up for good or fade into oblivion. But we didn't. So here we are, a new line up, but as dedicated to the music as we were in the beginning.
If there is a secret to KAYAK's longevity, it must be that.
Writing this, I realize that the album title does not only mark the number of studio albums KAYAK has made up until now. It also represents that exciting feeling of being 17 all over again, embarking on a musical journey, full of expectations. And just like in 1973, I don't know where it will lead us, but we're on our way. Here's to new horizons."
 
"Seventeen" is now available to pre-order on 2CD Digipak (featuring an extra disc with 36 minutes of demo material), gatefold 2LP + CD & digital download at www.insideoutmusicshop.com.

Digital pre-orders through iTunes & Amazon receive the track 'Feathers & Tar' immediately and you can also stream the track on Spotify, Apple Music & other services: 

 
The full track-listing is as follows:

Disc 1
1. Somebody (3:04)
2. La Peregrina (11:42)
3. Falling (3:08)
4. Feathers And Tar (3:14)
5. Walk Through Fire (10:23)
6. Ripples On The Water (3:40)
7. All That I Want (3:47)
8. X Marks The Spot (1:58)
9. God On Our Side (3:30)
10. Love, Sail Away (3:12)
11. Cracks (8:50)
12. To An End (3:32)
 
Disc 2
1. Cracks (Demo 2016) (10:16)
2. La Peregrina (Demo 2016) (12:21)
3. Falling (Demo 2016) (3:00)
4. Walk Through Fire (Demo 2016) (10:41)

 
The band will play some headline dates in the Netherlands in January, and support will come from Rikard Sjöblom's Gungfly:
24th January – 013, Tilburg
25th January – Neushoorn, Leeuwarden
26th January – Victorie, Alkmaar
27th January – De boerderij, Zoetermeer
28th January – Luxor, Arnhem
 
KAYAK was founded in 1972 by keyboardist/composer Ton Scherpenzeel and drummer/composer Pim Koopman, along with lead singer Max Werner, guitarist Johan Slager and bass player Cees van Leeuwen. Often compared to contemporaries like Yes and Focus, the band quickly developed their own style of symphonic rock that was rather concentrating on songs than elaborate solos and long instrumental passages while KAYAK never shied away from including epic, longer tracks and captivating, dramatic arrangements. Throughout the years, KAYAK has seen many line-up changes with Ton Scherpenzeel now being the only original member and leader of the band.
 
KAYAK achieved tremendous success from the late 70's onwards, cracking the US top 50 charts with the single 'Want You To Be Mine' in 1978, holding number #1 in the Dutch charts for several weeks with the Platin awarded "Phantom Of The Night" album released in 1979 with its single 'Ruthless Queen' reaching #5 on the Dutch single charts. This first era of KAYAK ended after eight albums in 1981. All members went their own way, Ton Scherpenzeel for instance played and recorded with groups like Earth & Fire and Camel, whereas former singer/drummer Max Werner scored a number #2 hit in Germany with 'Rain In May' from his second solo record "Seasons" already in 1981.
 
But the story of KAYAK was not over.
 
Fast forward to 1999: after an 18 year absence, Ton Scherpenzeel and Pim Koopman restarted KAYAK, with Max Werner again taking over lead vocals. This second era was marked by an explosive, new creativity making the band's output exceed the early days. In 2009, disaster struck when Koopman died of heart failure in the middle of the "Letters from Utopia" tour. In 2011, the band had overcome this big loss and returned to the stage and with a new album. A couple of years later KAYAK completed their rock opera trilogy "Merlin", "Nostradamus" and "Cleopatra" but when lead singers Cindy Oudshoorn and Edward Reekers left the band shortly after, Scherpenzeel realized he had to completely renew the line up in order to maintain his creativity as well as keep the band going.
 
Now, with singer Bart Schwertmann and guitarist Marcel Singor joining Ton Scherpenzeel as the band's creative core and additional members Kristoffer Gildenlöw (bass / ex Pain Of Salvation) and Collin Leijenaar (drums / Affector, Neal Morse, Dave Bainbridge), a reborn KAYAK once again proves that the band's name - though chosen randomly back in 1972 - is as appropriate as ever. Just when everyone expects the boat to sink, it miraculously resurfaces and sails on.
 
KAYAK online
 
INSIDEOUT MUSIC online:
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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-Zine

Innovative Guitarist Jon Durant Releases Solo Guitar Album “Parting Is”


Boston, MA - Following three acclaimed CDs with his group Burnt Belief, Jon Durant has returned with his first solo album since 2011's "Dance of the Shadow Planets." Unlike his previous solo albums, however, "Parting Is" is a completely solo guitar album.

A deeply emotional and personal record, "Parting Is" takes the idea of a solo guitar album and transforms it into a stunning sonic landscape of texture and color. Many of the sounds on the album bear no relationship with traditional guitar, but there are no synthesizers employed at all. Everything is played by Jon Durant on guitars (with Durant also playing fretless bass on four pieces).

Durant commented: "In recent years, I have been spending a lot of time away from people and places I love very much. My two boys are out of the house, one graduated college and the other is a senior in college this year. We have a wonderful time when I get to see them, but then they go away and there is a bit of a pang as we part. Also, we have a second home on the other side of the country (Portland, OR) where I spend a fair bit of time, and is also where much of this album began. Frequently my wife will join me for a long weekend, and I will stay on for another week or so, and of course there's the sadness when we part. What is reflected in this music is the sweet sorrow that comes from this parting - recognizing that it's temporary but still longing for more time together."

About the music, Durant stated: "On most days, one of the first things I do is grab a cup of tea or coffee, and begin to experiment with my guitar. The music that comes out is not done with any intention of becoming a composition, or a recording, but is rather more of a meditation. However, a friend heard a brief recording of one such piece and asked why I didn't record more of them. When I began to do so, I felt a pattern was emerging that might be worth exploring.

"Many pieces begin as loops that I would play a melodic lead over. I recorded several of these, then began to deconstruct the loops and record the various parts as separate components which could become less loop like and more dynamic and flowing. The track, 'Open Window' is a perfect example of how that played out."

That track, "Open Window" also provides an opportunity to explore the unusual sound and textures that Durant creates. The primary guitar which began as a loop is an electric 12 string. From there, multiple electric 12 string parts were layered in a minimalistic way. The melodic guitar is a fretless electric guitar, and the low tones (which sound a bit like the old Moog Bass Pedals) are generated from the fretless guitar. Also, swirling around in the background are Jon's unique cloud guitar sounds, notes which hang in the air like clouds with no discernable beginnings or endings.

There are three solo cloud guitar pieces ("Clouds in Advance", "Before the Rain Falls" and "Willamette Fog") and two pieces which remained as a loop with lead guitar over the top. "The Room Where She Waits" is a loop of electric 12 String and the lead is fretless guitar. On "Evolve in Place", the loop is an electric guitar with fretless guitar over the top.

Guitarist Jon Durant brings a unique sense of texture and melody to his instrument. His distinctive "cloud guitar" soundscapes and engaging lead work have graced numerous CD recordings and film soundtracks. As executive producer of Alchemy Records, he produces recordings for internationally acclaimed artists in his small home studio. Alongside Durant's six solo albums and three Burnt Belief records (with Colin Edwin of Porcupine Tree), Alchemy has also released albums by artists Michael Manring, Gary Willis, Leni Stern/Wayne Krantz and others.

To Purchase Jon Durant's "Parting Is":

Video for Burnt Belief, "Ghosts Aquatic": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxr375VDpPA
Video for Burnt Belief, "Dissemble": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eJ4vg-ZyTI
Video for Burnt Belief, "Semazen": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKDdZ8um-G0

Jon Durant's official website: http://www.jondurant.com
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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-Zine

“The Who and I” by Tony Klinger Box Set, Book and Memorabilia Now Available For Pre-Order



Pre-order Limited Edition Box Set Signed & Numbered by Tony Klinger at https://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/the-who-and-i 

London - Tony Klinger, renowned producer of The Who's "The Kids Are Alright" film, has started a PledgeMusic campaign for "The Who and I" Box Set, Book and Memorabilia. The Box Set contains Tony's new book "The Who and I," an audio book / CD, reproduced memorabilia, and a reproduction of "The Kids Are Alright" press kit and photos!

"Angry management, crazy people, women jumping naked out of giant cakes, fireworks going off in your hand, trips to the Pleasure Chest, run ins with Steve McQueen, afternoon teas with Ringo Starr, drunken sessions with Rick Danko of The Band, hotels demanding money up front before we checked in, travelling, constantly travelling, all the while trying to juggle schedules, money and egos, that's what I remember from my time with the Who when I was making a film, 'The Kids Are Alright' with, for and about them.

"The packaging of 'The Who and I' project accurately and faithfully represents the flavour of our project and the time we originally created the film, 'The Kids Are Alright,' and that forms the central themes of this project.

"I want to tell this story because there are so many of us, you and me included, who love rock music and film, who should know what really goes on, and this book tells it like it is. 'The Who' are the icons of both the sight and sound of My Generation. They sounded and looked angry and it wasn't an act. 'The Who' were among those who invented Mod England, which forced the world look up and pay attention. Their energy demanded your focus, whether it was Townshend's duck walk borrowed with love from Chuck Berry, his skinny whirling arms bashing out the chords, or Roger Daltrey swinging his microphone, more a weapon as he marched to the beat punched out by the bass played with metronomic intensity by the Ox, John Entwistle or the only drummer I ever saw who could lead a melody line, the maniacal Keith Moon.

"And then when you got past the image there was the music, that brilliant, original and fantastic music. How could such sounds spring out of such chaos? The answer is that it's the chaos that creates those sounds, that environment which enables a different view, a special sideways on look at our world that is so dynamic, true and genuine that we all have to take notice.

"'The Who,' maybe more than any other group epitomise that special rock lifestyle of danger mixed with brilliance to create a bubble of such power that we all want to see and listen and share.

"'The Who and I' was originally known as 'Twilight of the Gods.' So I am qualified by dint of knowledge about the group. More especially I know the men who make up the band and the originals who no longer get to go on stage because they're playing bass and drums with the celestial choir.

"Like most of you I am a fan, I remained a fan despite sometimes wanting to wring their collective necks! It's well known and I documented the fact that we didn't always agree with each other, in fact it would be more accurate to report that we hardly ever did so." - Tony Klinger

To pre-order Tony Klinger's "The Who and I"  Box Set, Book and Memorabilia: https://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/the-who-and-i

Also available "The Kids Are Alright" Film Screening and a one off original Tour Jacket!
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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-Zine

Surf Rock Guitar Icon MERRELL FANKHAUSER Brings The Magic Of His Long Running TV Show TIKI LOUNGE To CD!


Los Angeles, CA - One of the true innovators of surf rock music, Merrell Fankhauser, has been a mainstay on the music scene in both California and Hawaii for decades not only performing live but also producing a much-loved TV variety show "The Tiki Lounge." Now, fans of all ages can discover the magic Fankhauser creates with this live concert album, Tiki Lounge Live, set to be released on January 12 via Goldenlane Records. Enjoy performances by Fankhauser as well as special guests Ed Cassidy of Spirit, The Brymers, Lindsey Ikeno, and more!

Merrell Fankhauser's career began in the 1960s with the instrumental surf rock group The Impacts whose hit album Wipe Out is now revered as one of the era's best surf rock albums. He later formed two other bands, Merrell & The Exiles and H.M.S. Bounty, before embarking on a formative move to the island of Maui in 1973 with his group MU. Later projects found Fankhauser collaborating with everyone from drummer Gary Malabar of Steve Miller Band and John Cipollina of Quicksilver Messenger Service.

Track List:
1. Merrell - Fair Winds Blowin
2. The Brymers - Love Of Rock N Roll
3. Lindsey Ikeno - My Ipo
4. Tim Fankhauser - Witch Doctor
5. Merrell - Jungle Lo Lo Band
6. Merrell - Sweet Janeita
7. Merrell - Nawiliwili With You
8. Merrell - Feelin Ok
9. Merrell & Ed Cassidy - Out Of The Town
10. Big John - Rockin Country
11. Merrell - California Cosmic Jam
12. Merrell - Tiki Lounge


Merrell Fankhauser's official website: http://www.merrellfankhauser.com/

GOLDENLANE RECORDS
Facebook @GoldenlaneRecords
Twitter @GoldenlaneRecs

ROOM ME (Rock) - New album "Anaon" , out on February 8th !


ROOM ME is the stage name of the musician Anne-Sophie REMY. She is a singer and French composer. She worked in numerous groups as singer, chorus-singer, bass player, violinist and guitarist. ROOM ME, it is under this name that she decides to publish her music. She begins at first to compose in her corner without thinking necessarily of registering(recording) a day then she decides by means of friends to launch into the adventure. She records her first 2 EP: "Dirty Hôtel" in 2013 and " To late " in 2015.

For fans of  Shannon Wright, PJ Harvey, Chelsea Wolfe


"ANAON": all the souls of the deceaseds and the place where they find themselves.

3 years after the release of the 2nd EP in tones very rock, ROOM ME alias Anne-Sophie REMY brings out her first album and likes surprising. Indeed, this first album always sounds rock but more folk psyche, harder, fatter, darker.

It is necessary to say that ROOM knew well how to ME to surround himself to publish this more personal opus. On "TEA END" the singer of the group of doom Cult of Occult, Jean-Claude VanDoom came to come to help her and Julien Rosenberger (LOTH) for the mixing and mastering of the album.

 The end of things, love and death are the central elements of this opus. Anne-Sophie depresses in front of our eyes but also gives us a hopeful album ' I' m just has wandering shadow '. We suffer and live with her.

OUR PRESS AREA

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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-Zine