Mandoki Soulmates announce a limited deluxe edition of the album A Memory Of Our Future on white vinyl, again in analog. it will also be available on ¼ studio master tape for the ultimate analog audiophile experience. They also announce music video for The Wanderer.
Limited Edition Album & Music Video Announcement
MANDOKI SOULMATES announce new limited edition LP A Memory Of Our Future on deluxe audiophile white vinyl; new cinematic music video for The Wanderer coming 13th November
1st November 2024; On 29th November, a limited deluxe edition of the album A Memory Of Our Future will be released on white vinyl, available to pre-order from 1st November. Again this album will be produced completely in the analog domain, and audiophiles have lauded the production quality. The album will also be available on ¼ studio master tape for the ultimate analog audiophile experience. Pre-order here: https://mandokisoulmates.lnk.to/MOOFVinyl
Mandoki Soulmates, who include amongst them, UK artists Ian Anderson, Nick van Eade and John Helliwell, will also launch a cinematic video for their new single The Wanderer on 13th November. This will be followed later on by additional music videos and a full concert video recorded live during the summer tour with 16 cameras and high-end audio.
Mandoki Soulmates’ album A Memory Of Our Future: Heres what the media say:
Fireworks (UK) An exemplary exercise in how to bring together the very best within the Progressive world and product a cohesive album that sits very comfortably with some of the very best collective projects out there.
Now Spinning Magazine (UK) Musically, A Memory of Our Future is a diverse and immersive experience. The album defies easy categorization, blending elements of 70s soul, progressive rock, jazz fusion, and more. From the soulful grooves reminiscent of the Average White Band to the lightning-fast guitar lines of Al Di Meola, I found the album an absolute joy to listen to.
The Prog Report (UK) Featuring a whos who of prog, jazz and rock luminaries, the new record doesnt just bridge stylistic boundaries it blows them up entirely.
Goldmine Magazine (USA) A modern-day Jazz Fusion/Progressive Rock masterpiece;
Forever Music (USA) it could be the album of the year.
For bandleader Leslie Mandoki, this album is not just a collection of songs, but a musical manifesto for today’s world. Every song has a special genesis, he says, because it’s not we composers and lyricists who write the songs, it’s life! Some songs on A Memory Of Our Future clearly have autobiographical echoes. For example, The Wanderer reflects Leslie Mandoki’s own story and struggles in his youth, his dangerous and adventurous escape as a young musician from the oppression and censorship of Soviet communist dictatorship in Hungary through the Karawanken tunnel (past guards with orders to shoot), to freedom and artistic self-realisation. The message is universal across all generations and speaks to everyone who is searching for their path in our crisis-ridden world.
Like many other artists – from REM and David Bowie to Beyoncé and Taylor Swift – Leslie Mandoki felt inspired to extend the expression of his creative impulses to the visual realm by taking a leading role in the conceptualisation and creative direction of the music video. As a child I wanted to be a painter, later a poet. Today I still paint designs for our album artwork and write the lyrics for all our songs. But his father, a musician himself, recognised Leslie’s potential and steered him towards studying music, not least because his father thought music offered better career opportunities at the time. His final advice to his son was: Don’t dream your life, live your dream! With the expansion of his creative expression through the music video for The Wanderer, Leslie feels he is following his father’s advice in a special way, because this is exactly the message the song and the video convey to the young protagonist and the younger generation. In this respect, he is coming full circle with The Wanderer, both artistically and biographically.
Through the end of 2024, Mandoki Soulmates will be releasing more videos for songs from their current album, A Memory Of Our Future. Regular postings on the bands YouTube channel will include the video for the song I Am Because You Are, as well as new concert videos.
Leslie Mandoki states, The wonderful thing about A Memory Of Our Future and this way of making music is that we can overcome the melancholy of current issues together. Music also opens our eyes to the future, encourages positive thinking and optimism. That gives us strength and drives us forward.
Music has always been humanity’s greatest unifier, and now more than ever we need it to unite us Together, across generationsfor a common future in a better world.
Dawnwalker’s forthcoming 6th album, The Unknowingdraws from influences of classic prog, art-rock and current day pop. The Unknowing follows their widely acclaimed 2022 album House Of Sand, inviting talented new players from Pupil Slicer, Deathbloom, Lure In plus flautist Bella Band to create an experience which is lively, epic, spooky and heartfelt in equal measure. The Unknowing has been specially recorded across three studios favouring vintage analogue equipment, natural performances, and minimal edits or overdubs in the vein of their prog heroes. The album has been co-recorded at Holy Mountain in London, as well as with Joe Clayton (Pijn) and Scott McLean (HealthyLiving, Ashenspire). The Unknowing explores deep themes of trying to understand our place in the universe.
THE UNKNOWING 1. Thema Mundi [4:10] 2. Capricorn [4:07] 3. Novus Homo [3:41] 4. Heaven & Earth [5:19] 5. Mirrorpool [3:16] 6. Sword Of Spirit [4:55] 7. Cancer (Rising) [4:26] 8. Fall To Earth [4:17] 9. The Law [3:58]
UNDERGROUND CONTEMPORARY PROG DARLINGS DAWNWALKER DAZZLE WITH THEIR LATEST OPUS THE UNKNOWING
For the past twelve years, underground British progressive champions DAWNWALKER have built up an impressive and explorative discography see-sawing between the fringes of metal and rock, with no two records helming a similar approach. Remaining triumphantly independent, the visionary project of Mark Norgate has blossomed from their origins as a collaborative studio project into a revered live entity. Once again, Dawnwalker re-invent themselves with a new cast of talented musicians for their sixth observation – THE UNKNOWING– a concept album meditating on grand themes concerning our shared search for belonging, and our desire to know our place in this vast, hostile and unknowable universe. “Dawnwalker absolutely nail their unique sound. That sense of beauty in dreadfulness, and it’s a journey well worth taking.”
~ Angry Metal Guy
Conceived across three recording studios and featuring exciting new players, Dawnwalker’s sixth album The Unknowing finds a sharply tuned focus on songwriting, harmony and sonic finesse. Joining mastermind and guiding light Mark Norgate are seasoned talents including Luke Fabian (ex-Pupil Slicer) on bass, Chris J. Allan (ex-Malefice) on drums, flautist Bella Band, and vocalist Sofia Sourianou (Deathbloom, Lure In) bolstering Norgate’s lead voice with wonderful counter harmonies. Recorded largely by Stanley Gravett at Holy Mountain Studios (which has helmed records by Idles, Jane Weaver, Spiritualized, Green Lung and many more), additional sessions also took place with Joe Clayton (Pijn, Leeched) at Manchester’s No Studio (Mastiff, Mountain Caller, Ithaca) and with Scott McLean (Ashenspire, HealthyLiving) at Neon Fable Studios in Edinburgh – all captured with organic approaches, minimal edits, and a vintage analogue sound in the spirit of prog’s original heroes, favouring naturalistic performances without click-tracks. Through shaking up their methodology more than ever, these risks have rewarded Dawnwalker with one of their most consistent and cohesive offerings to date. “An extended kaleidoscope of clashing crescendos suspended in a constant state of flux.“
~ Pit Of Plagues
With no ten minute epics and no ambient interludes, The Unknowing is a concise single LP disc experience built from nine individually memorable tracks, with only one breaking the five minute mark. In Mark Norgate’s own words, The Unknowing is “a conscious move away from post-metal towards something spacier and more progressive; and probably more pop too.” Hitting the nail on the head, these songs are proggy without being indulgent, challenging without being overly complex, catchy and melodious with enough weird and off-kilter moments. A progressive rock sound, but with a bubbling metallic DNA intact. A boiling pot of great contradictions and contrasting flavours falling sweetly into place. Norgate prepared for the writing of the album researching and meeting with mystics, Tarot readers and astrologers, driven by a divine desire to trace humanity’s evergoing ways of understanding the hands of time, the cosmos, and where we fit into that space.
“…[
Dawnwalker] reinvent themselves while maintaining a distinctive and consistent identity. There’s a classiness and scholarliness to it all that keeps you coming back for more.”~ Metal Injection
Each of these nine tracks expresses a yearning and an ever present search, which is reflected sonically with a brighter sound palette than on any previous records. The album begins with Sofia Sourianou’s siren-like voice luring in the listener as glistening piano and soft spattering drums set the scene on opener ‘Thema Mundi’. ‘Capricorn’acts as a mantra for the entire record with its chorus, “Called forth on that lonely road, / March on further into the unknown”as a dramatic organ stutters alongside swirling, crunchy guitars. ‘Mirrorpool’ is a dynamic and eerie centrepiece showcasing two complimenting voices weaving around each other. ‘Sword Of Spirit’ and lead single ‘Cancer (Rising)’ are amongst Dawnwalker’s most jaunty and energetic tracks, whilst the irresistible ‘Fall To Earth’ is a straight up headbanging air guitar rager. The Unknowing is yet another spectacular and engrossing entry into the lore of Dawnwalker, presenting them at their most spacious and detailed. Dawnwalker sound full of adventure and whimsy, neatly capturing a pastoral playfulness, whilst keeping their occult and folklore influenced spirit intact.
“The album deals with grand themes that we’ve been reaching for throughout our whole discography. It is a doomed attempt to solve the grand mysteries of existence that pays homage to so many astrologers, soothsayers, mystics, faith healers, cult leaders and charlatans. It’s about the attainment of knowledge, but also an acceptance of a kind of un-knowing, making peace with your own insignificance in the grand scheme of the universe and yet still being able to gaze in wonder at it all.” ~ Mark Norgate, Dawnwalker
FFO: PORCUPINE TREE, PETER GABRIEL, OPETH, ENGLISH TEACHER, ANATHEMA.
Dawnwalker continue to build their legacy independently and will self-release The Unknowing on October 18th in-house on classic black Vinyl, plus a limited blue marbled vinyl variant. The striking and gothic painted cover art depicts a Victorian astrologer, completing a beautiful and thorough album package evoking the themes of the songs within. Collaborating with House Of Sand artist Mitchell Nolte once again, The Unknowing is a relic for record collectors. In late 2023, Dawnwalker completed a short double-headlining UK tour with HealthyLiving, initiating some of this new recording line-up ahead of the album writing and studio process. The band have also shared stages with the likes of <Bruit, Sacred Son, Bodies On Everest, Sugar Horse, Novere, and more. Their malleable sound and adventurous subgenre melds have confidently seen Dawnwalker nestle comfortably within progressive rock, post-metal, experimental and heavy music scenes.Dawnwalker will celebrate the album’s launch with a hometown show at Islington’s Hope & Anchor on December 15th, with ambitions for bigger support slots and festival appearances in 2025.
THE UNKNOWING IS AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE COVERAGE.
WE HOPE YOU ENJOY AND LOOK FORWARD TO READING YOUR THOUGHTS.CREDITS Written and performed by Dawnwalker. Music and lyrics by Mark Norgate. Recorded and engineered by Stanley Gravett at Holy Mountain Studios, London. Vocals recorded by Joe Clayton at No Studio, Manchester. Mixing and overdubs by Scott McLean at Neon Fable Studios, Edinburgh. Additional editing by Joe Clayton. Mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege. Melody and Greek lyrics on ‘Mirrorpool’ by Sofia Sourianou. Cover art by Mitchell Nolte. Live photography by Oculus Sinistra.
DAWNWALKER (2024)Mark Norgate – Vocals, guitar and keyboards Luke Fabian – Bass Chris J. Allan – Drums and percussion Sofia Sourianou – Vocals Bella Band – Flute
PREVIOUS DISCOGRAPHY XIII (Redux) – Album – 2012 Dawnwalker – EP – 2014 In Rooms – Album – 2016
Mandala – EP – 2017 Human Ruins – Album – 2018 Crestfallen – EP – 2020 Ages – Album – 2020 House Of Sand – Album – 2022
Robeone is releasing his eighth album, “Optimistica” with the title cut as its music video on September 27, 2024. (The music video will be out on September 24). “The theme of the record is being optimistic in these crazy times. The music is to carry you away from all the negativity and bickering.
“Optimistica” is a jazzy tune with upbeat and fun instrumentals. “My hope is for it to carry the listeners away from their troubles.”
The music video for “Optimistica,” which also goes live on September 27, was created by Blake Carpenter, who produced past two other videos –“Broken Days” and “Peace A Dream”—from the album. The video offers insight into Robeone’s personality, with two of his passions—playing keyboards and watching dozens of dogs play outdoors. “I love animals,” he says, “I have three dogs and am fostering three others.” Watch the “Optimistica” music video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfOnzDsed4c
The “Optimistica” album, which is instrumental using 11 different keyboards, is inspired by a range of his emotions and experiences. The tender piano-led “Billie’s Heart” is dedicated to his wife for 50 years of service at her job at the community hospital. The bluesy “Possibly Blue” remembers Robeone’s friend Rhett Tyler, an amazing guitar man, who recently passed.
Reflective instrumentals about our times are “Broken Days” where he wails his keyboards, and “Peace a Dream” offers an introspective tempo. Robeone lets loose in “No Clue.” The last composition on “Optimistica” is “Colors,” which he says, “is to leave you in peace and calmness.”
Like all of Robeone’s previous releases, 100% of the sales go to the Bob Moog Foundation. The CD and Vinyl versions have a QR code for donations, and Robeone is “making T Shirts with the QR code on the back!” In addition to having a space at the Moogseum in Asheville, NC, “Optimistica” is available through Bandwagon USA and Bandcamp.
He will be performing at ProgStock, in Rutherford, NJ, this October 18-20. Also he’s curating outdoor performances and premiering the album in person for the first time.
Robeone (aka Robert Schindler) has been recording since the early 1970s. He’s worked with notables Ronnie Spector and for Johnny Nash when “I Can See Clearly Now” was a hit. He played with progressive rockers Mayson on Bearsville Records, pop rock acts The States on Chrysalis and Boardwalk Records. He’s in the progressive rock group ZOOM with Paul Landry on New Age Music Planet Records. Recently he recorded with two different Melodic Revolution Records’ artists Tony Romero’s Vortex and Joe Mac’s American Garage. He’s played live at a number of Festivals—most recently ProgStock and RosFest. Robert also worked on the award-winning soundtrack to “The Fiery Narrows – Following the Path of John Charles Fremont.”
Keyboards Used on “Optimistica”:
Moog Subsequent 37
Mellotron M4000D
Roli Seaboard
Expressive_e Osmose
Yamaha S80
ASM Hydrasynth
Kurtzweil Artis
Korg M3
Roland AX-Edge
Technics KN7000
Kurtzweil K2000
“Optimistica” Track Listing
Billie’s Heart 7:58 Broken Days 5:11 No Clue 3:56 Optimistica 6:11 Peace A Dream 5:22 Possibly Blue 5:07 Colors 6:10
All Songs Copyright Robeone Music BMI 2024 Transglobal Records
Progressive, psychedelic rock pioneers Gong have announced a new special edition of their highly praised 2023 release Unending Ascending today. The new release, a CD package with an 8-page booklet, includes 6 previously unreleased bonus tracks recorded live from the band’s superb 2024 show at Edinburgh’s Summerhall as part of the ‘Gong + Ozric Tentacles UK Tour’.
The release coincides with Gong’s extensive late-2024 North American & European tour which will see them play shows across the USA, Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Poland, amongst others. “It’s been a long time coming but, following the release of Unending Ascending, Gong are delighted to be playing in the US. No minds left unblown or else” says Kavus Torabi.
“Cosmic rock of the highest order” – PROG
“If Unending Ascending is your first time encountering Gong, this is a spectacular introduction” – LOUDER THAN WAR
GONG UPCOMING SHOWS 15/08 Woodstock Forever ’24, Eisfeld – DE 16/08 The Forum, Tunbridge Wells – UK 17/08 A New Day Festival, Hernhill – UK 24/09 Chapel at Muhlenberg College, Allentown PA – USA 25/09 The Southern Music Hall, Charlottesville VA – USA 26/09 King’s Raleigh, Raleigh NC – USA 27/09 The Grey Eagle, Asheville NC – USA 28/09 Mockingbird Theater, Franklin TN – USA 30/09 The Pyramid Scheme, Grand Rapids MI – USA 01/10 Reggie’s, Chicago IL – USA 02/10 Shank Hall, Milwaukee WI – USA 03/10 Token Lounge, Detroit, Westland MI – USA 04/10 Ludlow Garage, Cincinnati OH – USA 05/10 Irving Theater, Indianapolis IN – USA 06/10 Beachland Ballroom, Cleveland OH – USA 09/10 75 Stutson Street Auditorium Stage, Rochester NY – USA 10/10 Homer Arts Center, Homer NY – USA 14/10 Space Ballroom, Hamden CT – USA 15/10 The Iron Horse, Northampton MA – USA 17/10 The Strand Theater, Hudson Falls NY – USA 19/10 Orion Studios, Baltimore MD – USA 20/10 Progstock Festival @ Williams Center, Rutherford NJ – USA 07/11 O13, Tilburg – NL 08/11 Boerderij, Zoetermeer – NL 10/11 MS Stubnitz, Hamburg – DE 11/11 Hotel Cecil, Copenhagen – DK 12/11 Babel, Malmö – SE 13/11 Musikens Hus, Goteborg – SE 15/11 Debaser, Stockholm – SE 16/11 Rockland, Sala – SE 18/11 Validi Karkia Club, Pori – FI 19/11 Louhisali, Espoo – FI 21/11 Hybrydy, Warsaw – PL 22/11 Kuźnia, Bydgoszcz – PL 23/11 CK Zamek, Poznan – PL 24/11 Rialto, Katowice – PL 26/11 Kofferfabrik, Fürth – DE 27/11 KuBa, Jena – DE 28/11 Akropolis, Prague – CZ 29/11 Kino Ebensee, Ebensee – AT 30/11 Porgy & Bess, Vienna – AT 03/12 Backstage, Munich – DE 04/12 Das Rind, Rüsselsheim – DE 05/12 Jubez, Karlsruhe – DE 06/12 Cafe de la Danse, Paris – FR 07/12 Le Grillen, Colmar – FR 09/12 Harmonie, Bonn – DE
The universe of Gong began in 1969 when visionary Daevid Allen was inspired by a profound psychedelic vision. A founder member of Soft Machine, Allen incorporated his spiritual and metaphysical leanings into an evolving collective. More a mythology than a band in the conventional sense, Gong established itself as one of the most unique, innovative, and experimental rock groups of the seventies, through an exploratory mix of rock, jazz and psychedelia with elements of mysticism and surrealism, unafraid to deliver its messages directly, obliquely or whimsically.
The current incarnation, who were put together by Daevid for his swansong album with Gong, I See You, honour his intention that Gong do not die with him, urging the band to “carry it on into new unknown heights and depths far beyond anything I could ever imagine myself”.
Photo credit – Layla Burrows
The current lineup of Kavus Torabi, Dave Sturt, Fabio Golfetti, Ian East and Cheb Nettles is the most stable in Gong’s illustrious history, having written, recorded and toured together for eight years since Allen’s passing. A dynamic, powerful and explosive live band, their music draws from the credo of the original Gong while remaining committed to pushing the composition, performances and message into new realms, paying no mind to nostalgia.
The Unending AscendingSpecial Edition will be released on Kscope on 27th September on digipak CD with an 8-page booklet. Pre-order:https://gong.lnk.to/UA_special_edition
Acclaimed musician Leon Alvarado is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of the official video for the title track of his critically praised album, “The Changing Tide.” Set to premiere on Friday, September 20th, the video showcases mesmerizing visual sequences created by video artist Nuutti Kataja, marking an exciting collaboration between the two artists.
Reflecting on the new project, Alvarado shares, “In my previous video, we explored some really immersive imagery, where viewers felt as though they were stepping into a surrealistic painting. For this new video, I wanted to push the boundaries even further by blending a more realistic feel within a fantastical setting. Nuutti and I worked closely on gathering reference material and discussing different approaches to bring the scenes to life. When we ran some initial tests, I knew we were onto something special. The final sequences are stunning and flow seamlessly with the music. Nuutti did an outstanding job translating our vision into a visual masterpiece.”
Alvarado also commented on the use of modern technology in the creative process: “There’s a lot of debate around artificial intelligence, but I believe that when used properly, it can enable incredible visuals that might otherwise be prohibitively expensive to achieve. In the right hands, it can be a powerful tool for creativity.”
Musically, the video highlights Alvarado takes on drums, keyboards, and bass, while Edoardo Scordo, guitarist from Brit Floyd, lends his skill on guitar and slide guitar. The track was mixed and produced by Alvarado, with final mastering by renowned engineer Maor Appelbaum.
Fans of Alvarado and new listeners alike can look forward to the innovative blend of music and visuals in this highly anticipated video release.
THE CHANGING TIDE Video Release date: September 20, 2024
Credits: Leon Alvarado: Drums, Keyboards Bass & Effects Edoardo Scordo: Guitars and slide Guitar Produced and mixed by Leon AlvaradoMastered by Maor AppelbaumA.I. Video sequences by Nuutti Kataja. Editing by Nuutti Kataja and Leon AlvaradoTitles by Synergy Design Record on: Melodic Revolution Records
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 fan base 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.
UK underground progressive champions Dawnwalker unveil their latest opus The Unknowing. Helmed by mastermind and songwriter Mark Norgate, The Unknowing features an exciting new cast of players including Luke Fabian (ex-Pupil Slicer), Sofia Sourianou (Deathbloom, Lure In), Chris J Allan (ex-Malefice) and flautist Bella Band. Conceived across three studio albums, The Unknowing promises a sharply tuned focus on songwriting, harmony and sonic finesse through a new found foray into heavy, art-rock flavoured songs.
Main songwriter Mark Norgate hints that “T he album deals with grand themes that we’ve been reaching for throughout our whole discography; a conscious move away from post-metal towards something spacier and more progressive; and probably more pop too.” The Unknowing promises to challenge fans and listeners as a concept album meditating on grand themes concerning our shared search for belonging, and our desire to know our place in this vast, hostile and unknowable universe.
Following their widely acclaimed fifth album House Of Sand, Dawnwalker continue to build their legacy independently and will self-release The Unknowing on October 18th in-house on classic black Vinyl, plus a limited blue marbled vinyl variant, making The Unknowing is a relic for record collectors. In late 2023, Dawnwalker completed a short double-headlining UK tour with HealthyLiving, initiating some of this new recording line-up ahead of the album writing and studio process. The band have also shared stages with the likes of <Bruit, Sacred Son, Bodies On Everest, Sugar Horse, Novere, and more.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
