UK-based prog band RETURNED TO THE EARTH are pleased to announce the new album Stalagmite Steeple due out on June 14th via Giant Electic Pea. The follow-up to the critically acclaimed “Fall of the Watcher,’ the new album is another intriguing journey through main man Robin Peachey’s particular take on life.
Robin Peachey on the new album: “The writing for Stalagmite Steeple began in late 2020 during the recording of Fall Of The Watcher, my previous album. It’s been a 2 1/2 year recording process to get the album finished and I have worked again with Paul Johnston as producer/engineer/additional musician. Steve Kitch (The Pineapple Thief) has again mastered the album for me.
“‘Dark Morality’ is the opening track of the album Stalagmite Steeple and sets the scene for the album’s themes. “I saw a story about an elderly couple who were separated during the first Covid lockdown and unfortunately the lady passed away from natural causes. I found it incredibly sad that we couldn’t find a way to bring loved ones together in their final moments during this difficult period of our history. It seemed empathy and compassion were lost but the money spent for the privilege of being in the care home facility still rolled in. I didn’t want this event to be marked by just a single song so it formed the backdrop for the whole album.”
Tracklisting: 1. Dark Morality 7:19 2. The Final Time 5:00 3. Stalagmite Steeple 9:58 4. Meaningless To Worth 6:09 5. Die For Me 9:09 6. The Raging Sea 5:36
The Gardening Club is back with their second single, “Mr. Forster Reflects,” from their forthcoming album, “Another Country,” set to release later this year.
Rejoining the musical journey are Martin Springett on vocals and acoustic guitars, Drew Briston (Sultans of String) on fretless bass, and Kevin Laliberte, handling music and production direction. The band also welcomes new member Chendy Leon on drums and percussion.
Music by Martin Springett, Kevin Laliberte Lyrics by Steve Bennett
About “Mr. Forster Reflects” Martin was eager to delve into Forster’s idea, articulated in the final passage of “Howards End,” that achieving a connection between rational thought and emotional impulse – the head and the heart – could lead to greater enlightenment, both personally and politically.
We aimed to depict Forster’s Cambridge – where he studied and taught at King’s College – as an imagined journey along the River Cam. This approach acknowledges the city’s broad cultural and intellectual influence, as well as Forster’s own struggles with his ‘open’ sexuality and his conscientious objection to war, despite his active service overseas.
Some listeners may notice subtle references to Pink Floyd, Crick and Watson, Nick Drake, and the Chinese poet Xu Zhimo, along with occasional glimpses of familiar Fenland landscapes. Others might decide that these references are unimportant and simply enjoy the song by embracing Forster’s own timeless advice: ‘only connect.’ – Steve Bennett
US prog artist Leon Alvarado is excited to unveil his newest album, “The Changing Tide.” Set to release on May 31st, this highly anticipated album follows the successful EP release, which previewed two of the album’s tracks; a captivating cover of Pink Floyd’s “Brain Damage,” and the enchanting instrumental “Dance of The Pink Elephants.”
Alvarado explains, “The creation of ‘The Changing Tide’ was very much influenced by the musical heritage of Pink Floyd. We aimed to seamlessly blend their timeless formula with our unique styles to produce material that charts its own course.”
While acknowledging the influence of Pink Floyd as a foundational element, Alvarado emphasizes the infusion of his own creative perspective. “Listeners can anticipate a departure of sorts from my previous works,” he shares, “yet they’ll find my hallmark keyboard textures and atmospheric nuances intricately woven throughout.”
Alvarado is joined on this musical endeavor by an ensemble of exceptional musicians, featuring bassists Tony Franklin (known for his work with Jimmy Page and Paul Rogers on The Firm) and Gary Gnaedinger, guitarists Edoardo Scordo and Damian Darlington (both renowned members of Brit Floyd), alongside Jimmy Griggers also on guitars and saxophonist John Helliwell (from Supertramp fame). Additionally, L.A. session musician Pablo Hopehayn contributes on strings. The backing vocals on Brain Damage are skillfully provided by Jeff Sanson, Liz Hall, and Linda Alvarado.
“The Changing Tide” will be available for streaming on all major platforms and will also be released on CD through Melodic Revolution Records. The physical CD promises to be a sensory delight, boasting stunning artwork within an impeccably designed package that will undoubtedly enhance any music enthusiast’s collection.
About Leon Alvarado: Leon Alvarado is a progressive rock artist known for his innovative fusion of electronic and rock music. Over the course of more than two decades, Alvarado has consistently demonstrated his ingenuity as a musician, constantly expanding the horizons of his artistic vision with each successive project. His repertoire boasts collaborations with esteemed figures in the Prog rock scene, earning him widespread acclaim and nurturing a devoted fanbase worldwide. Beyond his own musical creations, Leon frequently collaborates with bands and promoters, channeling his artistic skills into crafting fascinating album covers and promotional tour materials.
Track list: 1. THE EQUILIBRIUM OF TIME 2. A DAY OF A DIFFERENT SORT 3. A VIEW FROM A DIFFERENT ROOM 4. DANCE OF THE PINK ELEPHANTS 5. THE CHANGING TIDE. 6. BRAIN DAMAGE
Credits: Leon Alvarado: Drums, Keyboards & Effects on all, Bass on 5, Vocals on 6 Edoardo Scordo: Guitars on 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Tony Franklin: Bass on 1, 2, 3, 4 John Helliwell: Saxophone on 3 Pablo Hopenhayn: Violin, Viola and Cello on 1 Gary Gnaedinger: Bass, Guitar & Keyboards on 6 James Griggers: Guitar & Slide Guitar on 6 Jeff Sanson: Backing Vocals on 6 Linda Alvarado: Backing Vocals on 6 Liz Hall: Backing Vocals on 6 Produced and mixed by Leon Alvarado Mastered by Maor Appelbaum Design and Art Direction by Synergy Design Label: Melodic Revolution Records
Following last years surprise announcement that they would be getting back together, Swedish progressive rockers Beardfish are pleased to announce they have re-signed with InsideOutMusic for the release of their first new music since breaking up in 2016.
The band comments: “These are super exciting times for Beardfish with us being back together as a band. We’re just finishing up our first new album in nine years and we’re working with Inside Out again, our favourite record label on the planet!
We’re also really happy that Destined Solitaire, one of my personal favourites in the Beardfish catalogue, is turning 15 years old this year and that it’s finally gonna be available on some hot wax! It’s been remastered for vinyl, has lengthy liner notes from yours truly (rambling on!) and it looks and sounds fantastic!”
First though, the band are pleased to announce a special 15th anniversary vinyl release of their fifth studio album ‘Destined Solitaire’ – its first time ever on wax. Newly remastered, and featuring a fold-out 6-page LP-booklet with the full cover artwork, this Gatefold 2LP release will come out on the 19th July 2024 to coincide with the bands appearance at the last ever Night Of The Prog Festival in Germany. The release also includes brand new liner notes. Pre-order now here: https://beardfish.lnk.to/DestinedSolitaire-15thAnniversaryEdition
Beardfish originally formed back in 2001, and today are made up of Rikard Sjöblom, David Zackrisson, Magnus Östgren and Robert Hansen. They released eight studios albums up until their disbandment in 2016, and their forthcoming ninth album will see the light of day later in 2024. Outside of Night Of The Prog Festival, the band will also headline We Låve Rock in Oslo, Norway at the end of May, as well as already being confirmed for 2025’s edition of Cruise To The Edge. BEARDFISH online: https://www.facebook.com/beardfish https://www.instagram.com/beardfishofficial/
ProgStock 2024 is October 18-20, 2024. Pre-show: October 17, 2024 Williams Center, Rutherford, NJ
Single-Day Passes on sale starting Sunday, May 12 at 12:00 PM EDT You will still be able to choose a Regular or Prog-Ducer 3-day pass, but half of the remaining seats are now set aside for Single-Day Passes.
Current Schedule, Subject to Change, All times shown below are in US Eastern timezone (EDT)! Dates/Times for opening acts have not yet been announced.
Early lobby access every day of the festival (PATRONS get in even earlier)
Priority access to artist meet-and-greets (PATRONS are FIRST in LINE)
Special merchandise package, including: Special items exclusively for Prog-Ducers
Select items from our festival merch catalog (PATRONS also get the t-shirt for FREE)
Festival Poster, Wristband, and Program (contains autograph pages!) (PATRONS also get a special merch pack from our performing artists)
AND NEW in 2024 for Patrons & Prog-Ducers: $10 USD credit is redeemable at our central merchandise table!
PLUS We’ve cooked up a REALLY Special Event for Friday, October 18 at 1:00PM ET Exclusively for our Patrons and Prog-Ducers!
Richard Macphail’s Book of Genesis That’s right! Richard Macphail, author of “My Book of Genesis,” will join us for an interview and Q&A led by Larry Fast with Jerry Marotta, Paul Whitehead,and other special guests (TBA).
You have to be a 5-Year Patron or Prog-Ducer to attend this special event!
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