Southern California progressive-rock outfit Scarlet Hollow returns with “A Window To October” the quartets highly anticipated sophomore album.

Tracklisting
1. Adventures In The Kings Garden 06:23
2. From Sea To Infinity 05:11 
3. A Window To October 07:05 
4. The Forgotten 04:23 
5. Skipping On Frozen Fire 06:24 
6. Jupiters Calling 04:04 
7. LVX 04:55 
8. Pendragons Cove 02:03 
9. Crimson Lights And Dark Waters 09:12 
10. I Am Divided 07:57 
11. Possibilities 04:12 
12. Dream Currents 07:10

Crimson Lights and Dark Waters: Additional guitars and end guitar solo by Stephen George Geyer. 

All lyrics by Allison and Gregg 
Music by: Scarlet Hollow 
Produced, mixed and mastered by Gregg Olson 
Cover art by GV Hapeman 
Layout & design by Håkon (Hawk) Engvig of 4eign Design 

In a recent interview, Gregg Olson guitarist and co-founder of Scarlet Hollow talks about the new album and why it has taken eight years to release the 2nd full-length album “A Window to October”.

Questions for Scarlet Hollow part one. 
A sit down with Gregg

Q: what has Scarlet Hollow been up to?
A: we’ve put together a new album called”A Window to October”

Q: what kind of music is on it?
A: man I hate this question. But here it goes. Some of my favorite music has always been from the more melodic and song-oriented progressive bands, for instance, MarillionPorcupine TreePink FloydRush, bands that in my mind transcend the genre that many people think is all about overindulging in one’s musical abilities for a long period of time. Nothing wrong with that and I absolutely love a lot of those bands but I’m very moved by clever and creative sonic sculpting by the artist that certainly could show off their abilities and do that when the moment is right. It’s like driving a Ferrari at 65 mph if you know what I mean. I also love some R&B and we all love Acoustic music. So I really think Steven Wilson said it best once. He called his music “creative music“. That works well I think.

Q: what’s taken so long to hear a follow up too to 2012’s “What If Never Was”?
A: I had some significant health issues right after finishing that album, in fact, it was still at the cd manufacturing plant!

I lost my ability to play and even hold the guitar, among just learning how to walk again. But the drive to write never left me. That whole experience and working though it turned out to be a tremendous growing and introspective process that actually was the inspiration for these songs. Call it “forced Zen”. I wrote most of the germ ideas for this album laying in bed on my IPad! My playing would gradually come back year after year so I would have to keep changing my guitar parts to get them closer to what was in my head instead of just what I could physically play. Then we found our new drummer Jay around 2017. He was so inspiring and my playing had come back! Well, if you know anything about music production you know that Drums go first, everything builds up from that foundation. So everything we all had recorded needed to be re-recorded over. Plus his playing was so inspiring that I changed some song parts and structure. All this led to Jeff rewriting his incredible bass parts, which led to Allison’s melodies. So really it has only taken 3 years to make this one. Quite fast for us! And I still only can work when the muse calls. So there would be large chunks of time that nothing was being worked on. 

Q: what happened and how did it influence this album?
A: I had a major stroke of unknown origins.

I took up meditation and got into zen and Buddist philosophy and practices. That eventually turned into diving headfirst into my life long love of eastern and western esoteric knowledge.

These things all had a profound influence on the material.  There are many levels musically and lyrically to explore… lots of symbolism going on, some subtle and some not so subtle.

Q: I’ve heard the tracks. Beautiful stuff. Quite different from the first album.
A: I never liked bands where every album was the same. That being said, Light and dark have always been a part of our sound and this one is no different it’s all in there still. 

Part 2 coming soon.

In a comment from Nick Katona President – Melodic Revolution Records

We are thrilled that Gregg Olson and Scarlet Hollow have returned with what we believe is the band’s best work to date. I can still remember vividly receiving the phone about Gregg having a stroke, I was devastated, we had just made plans for Scarlet Hollow’s debut release and the band was rehearsing for their first tour. 

The prognosis that night was not very positive, it was grim in fact, but we kept close tabs on Gregg’s health, it wasn’t so much that we were worried about album sales. We were worried about a person that had become a friend, I first met Gregg on myspace in 2006 and Melodic Revolution picked up the self-titled Echoe’s Landing for release. It’s because of this band that we formed the record label. 

The good news is that over the next couple of years Gregg’s was getting better and his recovery seemed like a miracle. Fast track to today Scarlet Hollow has returned stronger, more focused and sounding better than ever. Get ready to take a musical journey with one of the most important bands today. 

Scarlet Hollow 
Allison VonBuelow – vocals, acoustic guitars
Jeff Mack – bass, bass pedals 
Gregg Olson – electric guitars, synths
Jay Setar – drums, percussion 

Discography
A Window to October – (2020) CD & Digital Album
I Am Divided (2017) Digital Single 
What If Never Was (2012) CD & Digital Album
Sanctuary – Remaster(2010) Digital EP

Scarlet Hollow on the web
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ScarletHollowMusic
MRR: https://mrrmusic.com/scarlet-hollow/

Media Contact:
Gregg Olson:
[email protected]

Label Contact 
Melodic Revolution Records

Nick Katona:
[email protected]

Melodic Revolution Records Online:
https://mrrmusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/MelodicRevolutionRecords/
https://www.facebook.com/MelodicRevolutionRecords/
https://www.youtube.com/c/MelodicRevolutionRecordsMusic
https://twitter.com/MusicIsOurVoice

Melodic Revolution Records Spotify Playlists:
https://open.spotify.com/user/melodicrevolutionrecords

PeacockSunrise Records, makes history with​ its first release

Cover Art: Felice House (Julia Dean in “Giant” oil on canvas 54″ x 68) 2013

It is with great pleasure that today September 15th, 2019 we release our first recording “Nowhere Wolf” by Austin, Texas psychedelic rockers Sheverb. “Nowhere Wolf” is the b-side and the first of two tracks from their upcoming 7″ record due out September 29th, 2019.

PeacockSunrise Records (PSR) is a new chapter and an offshoot label of Melodic Revolution RecordsPSR was launched on December 5, 2018; born out of the necessity to explore and release music from new territories, styles, and cultures from around the globe.

We hope that you will join us and embrace our new journey as we continue to present some of the world’s best up and coming artists. PSR has many releases in the works, including a solo album by Allison VonBuelow the voice of Scarlet Hollow; debut full-length release by bassist and composer Joe Macre (formerly of Crack the Sky): Joe Mac’s American Garage, and an exciting new outfit hailing from Port Isabel, Texas – Sun King Rising.

Please help us today as we celebrate our first release “Nowhere Wolf” by Sheverb. We hope that you enjoy this release as much as we do and that you will share this music by telling your friends, family, and co-workers.

Love and respect to all, 
Nick Katona

You can listen to and purchase “Nowhere Wolf” (HERE)

More information about Sheverb can be found below.
Sheverb Online 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheverbtheband/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheverbtheband/ 
PSR Profile: https://peacocksunriserecords.com/sheverb/

Sheverb Media & Booking 
Betty Benedeadly & Xina Ocasio 
Email: [email protected]

PeacockSunrise Records Online: 
Website: https://peacocksunriserecords.com/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeacockSunriseRecords/ 
YouTube: bit.ly/2CMs0AF 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PeacockSunriseR 
Spotify: spoti.fi/2B6pEfI

Marco Ragni releases new album Oceans of Thought on Sumer Solstice

Oceans of Thought” features members of Airbag, Wobbler, Knifeworld, and Gekko Projekt, among others.

About the album

Oceans of Thought” was originally called “The Merchant of Eternal Youth” but during the time of the recordings I had some personal problems and I was a little depressed. So the songs, the cover but above all the lyrics, have undergone a change because my music comes from what I have inside of my mind and soul. 

So this album talks about the difficulties that life sometimes brings us, but also talks about how to try to overcome them. It’s a record that I care a lot about because it talks a lot about me. Because great musicians have played there, from Norwegian guitarists Bjørn Riis founder of the band Airbag and Marius Halleland (Wobbler), Peter Matuchniak (Kinetic Element), Jeff Mack (Scarlet Hollow) and Maurizio Antonini the beating heart of this record. The precious woodwinds arrangements by Dave Newhouse (The Muffins) and the beautiful voice of JoJo Razor (Gekko Projekt) and last but not the least, Charlie Cawood (Knifeworld) playing Sitar. 

This year I turned 50, an important and very significant milestone for me. Half a century on Earth! What a wonderful journey up to here. First of all, I want to thank my beautiful and wonderful Wife because She made my life happier and more dynamic. Then all the supporters who allowed me to record this album and in particular Jon Hawkins for having produced it. I am proud and very happy to present it to you today. I hope it will reach your heart and your mind. Entertaining you, relaxing and making you think about life, its beauties and sometimes its inconsistencies.

The album was released today June 21st, the day of the summer solstice. The most important day of my life.

Have a good trip folks!
Marco Ragni

Track Listing
1 Flashlights
2 Dizziness
3 Hammil’s Thoughts
4 The Wind Blows Anyway
5 Regain Control
6 Oceans of Thought
7 Under a Big Red Sun
8 Voice in the Dark
9 Open My Arms

Music and lyrics by Marco Ragni
Produced by Jon Hawkins
Album Art by Marco Ragni

Featuring:
Marco Ragni: Vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, keys, bass
Peter Matuchniak: Electric guitar
Dave Newhouse: Woodwinds
Jeff Mack: Five string fretted and fretless bass & Chapman Stick.
Maurizio Antonini: Drums
JoJo Razor: Backing vocals

Special Guests
Bjørn Riis: Lead guitar on No. 9 Open My Arms
Marius Halleland: Lead Guitar on No 2 Dizziness & No 5 Regain Control
Charlie Cawood: Sitar On No 8 Voice in the Dark

Marco on the web
Website: https://www.marcoragni.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Markspiders/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/markspiders/videos

Purchase album via Bandcamp
In the USA: bit.ly/2KgNjjh or in EUROPE: bit.ly/2EKG3IF

Label: Melodic Revolution Records (US) 
[email protected]
US Label Representation: 
Nick Katona
[email protected]

Melodic Revolution Online: 
Website: http://mrrmusic.com/ 
Bandcamp: https://myrevolution.bandcamp.com/artists 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelodicRevolutionRecords/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MelodicRevolutionRecordsMusic  
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrrmusicgroup

Melodic Revolution Records Spotify Playlists:
https://open.spotify.com/user/melodicrevolutionrecords

Marco Ragni to release “Oceans of Thought” featuring members of Airbag, Wobbler, and Gekko Projekt, a​mon​g others

Melodic Revolution Records and Marco Ragni are thrilled to announce that Oceans of Thought will officially be released in both CD & Digital formats and available worldwide June 21st, Pre-orders will go on sale on June 1st and will includ 5 digital-only bonus tracks with all pre-orders

About the album
“Oceans of Thought” was originally called “The Merchant of Eternal Youth” but during the time of the recordings I had some personal problems and I was a little depressed. So the songs, the cover but above all the lyrics, have undergone a change because my music comes from what I have inside of my mind and soul. 

So this album talks about the difficulties that life sometimes brings us, but also talks about how to try to overcome them. It’s a record that I care a lot about, because it talks a lot about me. Because great musicians have played there, from Norwegian guitarists Bjørn Riis founder of the band Airbag and Marius Halleland (Wobbler), Peter Matuchniak (Kinetic Element), Jeff Mack (Scarlet Hollow) and Maurizio Antonini the beating heart of this record. The precious woodwinds arrangements by Dave Newhouse (The Muffins) and the beautiful voice of JoJo Razor (Gekko Projekt) and last but not the least, Charlie Cawood (Knifeworld) playing Sitar. 

This year I turned 50, an important and very significant milestone for me. Half a century on Earth! What a wonderful journey up to here. First of all I want to thank my beautiful and wonderful Wife because She made my life happier and more dynamic. Then all the supporters who allowed me to record this album and in particular Jon Hawkins for having produced it. I am proud and very happy to present it to you today. I hope it will reach your heart and your mind. Entertaining you, relaxing and making you think about life, its beauties and sometimes its inconsistencies.

The album will be released on June 21st, the day of the summer solstice. The most important day of my life.

Have a good trip folks!
Marco Ragni

Track Listing
1 Flashlights
2 Dizziness
3 Hammil’s Thoughts
4 The Wind Blows Anyway
5 Regain Control
6 Oceans of Thought
7 Under a Big Red Sun
8 Voice in the Dark
9 Open My Arms

Pre-Order Bonus Tracks
1 Abstract Dreams 
2 Fifty Years on Earth 
3 Nocturne #7 (piano sessions) 
4 Hammil’s Thoughts (JoJo’s vocals) 
5 Open My Arms ( demo strings arrangements)

Music and lyrics by Marco Ragni
Produced by Jon Hawkins
Album Art by Marco Ragni

Featuring:
Marco Ragni: Vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, keys, bass
Peter Matuchniak: Electric guitar
Dave Newhouse: Woodwinds
Jeff Mack: Five string fretted and fretless bass & Chapman Stick.
Maurizio Antonini: Drums
JoJo Razor: Backing vocals

Special Guests
Bjørn Riis: Lead guitar on No. 9 Open My Arms
Marius Halleland: Lead Guitar on No 2 Dizziness & No 5 Regain Control
Charlie Cawood: Sitar On No 8 Voice in the Dark

Marco on the web
Website: https://www.marcoragni.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Markspiders/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/markspiders/videos
Bandcamp: https://marcoragni.bandcamp.com

Label: Melodic Revolution Records (US) 
[email protected]
US Label Representation: 
Nick Katona
[email protected]

Melodic Revolution Online: 
Website: http://mrrmusic.com/ 
Bandcamp: https://myrevolution.bandcamp.com/artists 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelodicRevolutionRecords/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MelodicRevolutionRecordsMusic  
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrrmusicgroup

Melodic Revolution Records Spotify Playlists:
https://open.spotify.com/user/melodicrevolutionrecords

Scarlet Hollow – What If Never Was – Melodic Revolution Records

One day I had an envelope arrive from Nick Katona, and I duly copied all the CDs and put them on my playlist and didn’t really think any more of it. I had the made the assumption (yes, we all know what that means) that they were recent releases, so was somewhat amazed when I did some research on this album and discovered not only was it released back in 2012, but as far as I can tell it is still the only album they have ever put out! It took a little more digging to find out why that was the case, and apparently guitarist/producer Gregg Olson suffered a massive stroke the same year the album was released, which obviously had a major impact on him personally and on band itself. The good news is I have been looking at their Facebook page and it appears that not only has he recovered much better than anyone expected, but they are just putting finishing touches on the next album, which is something I am definitely looking forward to.

Scarlet Hollow are American, and with a sound like this they really could be nothing else. This is what Heart would sound like if they were into strong and heavy progressive rock, and if I was to liken singer/keyboard player Allison VonBuelow to anyone else in the scene then it would be to Lana Lane. The rhythm section is Jeff Mack (bass guitars and bass pedals) with Diego ‘GROM’ Meraviglia on drums, and together they make a mighty sound indeed. This is heavy prog with symphonic overtones, with superb songs and great performances from all involved. I had heard the name some years back but hadn’t previously come across the album and am stunned that I have been missing out for so long. There is a confidence throughout, and it certainly never comes across as a debut album, but instead of a band who know exactly what they are out to achieve, and the ability to get there.

Allison can sing delicately and gently when the needs arises, and there is a strong use of acoustic guitars throughout the album to provide different layers and textures, while there is a powerful use of different drum patterns. One is never sure where each song is going to lead, as they mix and meld heavy rock with prog to create something which is more than the sum of its parts. It may have taken me seven years to get to grips with the debut album from Scarlet Hollow, but hopefully the new album isn’t far away at all, and if you enjoy heavy progressive rock, with loads of shade and textures, combined with great songs and a powerful female singer then look no further.

kev rowland | 4/5 | prog archives