Volapük were a somewhat unusual RIO outfit formed in 1993 by percussionist Guigou Chenevier, who was already known for being a founder of Etron Fou Leloublan, who became a charter member of the Rock in Opposition collective in 1978 along with other groups including Henry Cow, Univers Zero, Stormy Six, and Samla Mammas Manna. Bass clarinettist Michel Mandel received a master’s degree in music from the Grenoble Academy of Music while cellist Guillaume Saurel studied at the Avignon Academy of Music. Yes, what we have here is an instrumental trio bringing together instruments in a very strange indeed. This recording, taken from their 1998 Polish tour finds Guigou providing drums, saxophone, vocals and electronics, Michel is on bass clarinet, clarinets, taragot, vocal and Guillame cello and vocal.
If one could imagine a RIO avant prog chamber trio experimenting more than one could even expect from that description, then possibly one might be able to somewhat understand what is taking place in front of our ears. I can only imagine the Polish audiences were somewhat blown away by what they were experiencing as there is perfect silence during the course of each song, although they are all well received once the audience gets themselves back to reality. Influenced by Art Zoyd? Definitely, but being taken in a quite different direction. The band released four studio albums during their existence (they broke up in 2010), yet this was the only live album which was a limited release on a Polish label back in 1999. That this has now been revived by Cuneiform is wonderful, as not only is the label the logical home for this release, but this is something which will be of great interest to fans of RIO as not only is this wonderful historically but is something which is simply fascinating and exciting throughout. There is a freshness to this, a sense of no-one (including the musicians) really sure where the journey is going to take them or what the end destination may be.
All I know is that I am now intrigued and can see I need to further investigate the music of Volapük as they walked through musical boundaries as if they did not exist. 8/10 Kev Rowland
= 1 MORE TIME TOUR CELEBRATING OVER 50 YEARS OF SMOKE ON THE WATER WITH YES
VIP Packages and Fan Pre-sale available starting at 12pm local time today. Use password SMOKE
General on sale begins Friday, April 12th at 10am local
Deep Purple, one of Britain’s most influential bands, today announced =1 More Time Tour of the U.S. with a stop at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, FL, to celebrate over 50 years of Smoke On The Water on Wednesday, August 14.
They will be shaking the walls of U.S. amphitheatres this summer with an explosive lineup of unforgettable hits taken from their repertoire of rock, spanning half a century. Joining Deep Purple on their US tour is YES, making each stop on the tour an unmissable event for rock fans everywhere.
SMOKE ON THE WATER MEET & GREET VIP PACKAGE Package includes:
– *Great Ticket in first 3 Rows – **Meet n Greet with band member (will not include Ian Gillan) – Photo Op with band members (will not include Ian Gillan) – 1 Personal Item autographed – Exclusive Deep Purple VIP T-shirt – Exclusive Deep Purple VIP Merchandise – Commemorative laminate & lanyard
**Meet and Greet / Photo Op may be socially distanced based on any potential COVID related restrictions/precautions. *Ticket location may vary from venue to venue.
HIGHWAY STAR PREMIUM MERCHANDISE PACKAGE Package includes:
– *Great Ticket in first 10 Rows – Exclusive Deep Purple VIP T-shirt – Exclusive Deep Purple VIP Merchandise
Experience the outlandish inspiration behind Refestramus’ latest hit on their upcoming album, Intouríst. Derek Ferguson, the creative force of the Chicago-based ensemble, transforms the true life, bizarre account of a televangelist’s wife and her otherworldly seducer into a musical odyssey. “Agent M Vs. the Sex Lizard,’ the provocative second chapter of the album’s title trilogy, comes to life through a mesmerizing music video featuring the enigmatic Agent Mikrovolnovka. Dive into the intrigue before the full album drops on May 4th.
Refestramus, the progressive art rock ensemble hailing from Chicago, IL, renowned for blending influences from traditional gypsy, flamenco, and Slavic styles with a modern hard rock edge, Refestramus made waves with their debut album, “Decoupage,” in 2021. Now, in 2023, they’re teasing fans with a glimpse of the even more progressive direction they’re taking with “Intouríst.” Following the album drop, the band plans an extensive tour to support their latest musical venture.
“Refestramus is joined on this track by Colouratura members Derek Pavlic and Ian Beabout, as well as Jerry King from Moon X.”
Refestramus Derek Ferguson – Drums, Jerry King – Bass, Derek Pavlic – Guitars, Mellotron and Viola, Rogelio Souza – Keys Nida – Vocals
All arrangements by Refestramus Produced by Ian Beabout and Derek Ferguson Mixed and Mastered by Ian Beabout
UK prog-synth-rockers Kyros release 4th studio album ‘Mannequin’, (February 2nd on limited edition double orange Vinyl, digipak CD and digitally – Pre-order)
Released ahead of the band’s upcoming 2024 UK tour dates, Kyros continue their meteoric rise with acclaim across UK press and radio alike. The album offers some of the bands most electrifying, fiercely unique, complex and all round breathtaking work to date.
Blending prog tendencies with elements of rock, synth pop and electronic textures, the 10 tracks display the bands musical understanding and with virtuoso musicianship and some elegantly delivered, infectiously catchy melodies.
Lead vocalist Shelby explains: “Our upcoming album, ‘Mannequin’ is like peeling back layers of paint on an old canvas. With each track, we’re exploring the masks we all wear, the stories we tell ourselves to get by.
This album is a real heart-on-sleeve affair for us and it’s probably the most ‘us’ we’ve ever sounded. It’s about what happens when the facade cracks and you’re left with nothing but the truth. Nothing but your true self. We can’t wait for everyone to hear it and perhaps see themselves in it, just like we do.”
“80s-infused prog rock tapestry of expansive synths, vigorous drums, and driving bass” – Earmilk
“Melodic hooks of pop with the musical complexity and depth of progressive rock and metal” – Power of Prog
Mannequin’ Album Tracklisting: 1. Taste The Day 2. Showtime 3. Illusions Inside 4. Esoterica 5. The End in Mind 6. Digital Fear 7. Ghosts of You 8. Liminal Space 9. Technology Killed the Kids IV 10. Have Hope
All tracks by Shelby Logan Warne, Joey Frevola, Robin Johnson, & Peter Episcopo
Guest vocals on Illusions Inside- Dominique Gilbert, Saxophone on Esoterica – Canyo Hearmichael
Kyros are: Shelby Logan Warne – vocals, keys and production Joey Frevola – guitar Robin Johnson – drums Charlie Cawood – bass
Having built a reputation for their synth heavy prog rock sound, Kyros have gained widespread acclaim for their unique music approach, high octane live shows and fiercely DIY approach. With widespread acclaim from the likes of Prog Magazine, Planet Rock, 1883 Magazine, Total Rock, Earmilk, Music Crowns, Fame Magazine and Prog Rock Journal, the band have toured across the US and Europe, played sets at a number of UK and EU festivals and opened for the likes of Marillion, Spock’s Beard and IQ.
The new album ‘Mannequin’ see’s Kyros cement their place as one of the most exciting new bands on the UK Prog scene.
The Full Album ‘Mannequin’ is due for release February 2nd 2024
Toronto, Canada’s Jupiter Hollow takes music to a whole new level. Led by the fearless Grant MacKenzie and Kenny Parry, this powerhouse duo and live quartet featuring John Ryan Godfrey and Nathaniel Reynolds-Welsh have been making waves in Canada since 2015 with their unique brand of progressive rock/metal.
With thought-provoking lyrics, unique vocal melodies, harmonies, powerful guitar riffs, unyielded songwriting, and the duo’s incessant desire to bring fans on a journey, there’s always something new to explore. Thus far they have two full-length albums under their belts: 2020’s “Bereavement”, and 2018’s “AHDOMN”, and have another one in the works. Planning to release singles over the coming months, Jupiter Hollow takes their time to ensure a polished, impressive offerings song by song. The band just wants nothing more than to make their art and share the experience with as many people as they can.
Presenting their latest single, “Cohesion”, to follow their previous track “Distant Shadow”, this new song represents the relationship between an artist who wants nothing more than to have the freedom and the ability to express, share, and grow, but is trapped by the demands of survival in an oversaturated society incapable of supporting the true diversity of each individual.
Musically, “Cohesion” is a complete 180 on level of aggressiveness, however still touches elements of beauty throughout the piece. Jupiter Hollow wanted to have a song that is heavy-hitting, while also having very melodic sections that break out into a sense of euphoria. The performance in the accompanied music video was meant to portray the different emotions and struggles a person may endure when dealing with mental health, having music as an emotional escape.
“Most of us are struggling out there in some way, and a lot of us are on the verge of giving up on everything because we don’t have the life we dream of, constantly reminded everywhere we go by someone who is succeeding while we struggle to survive. So whether you’re an artist, a mechanic, a doctor, or just a single mother or father with barely enough time for their family, let alone themselves, everyone deals with darkness in their life at some point. This song is a reminder that no matter what may get in the way, never lose focus on what makes you be yourself, and never give up on what gives you joy.” adds vocalist Kenny Parry.
Explorative, and intriguing, Jupiter Hollow continues to push the limits of progressive rock and metal and is recommended for fans of Porcupine Tree, Coheed, and Cambria, Rush, and Protest The Hero.
“If Jupiter Hollow are emblematic of the next generation of progressive metal bands, a bright tomorrow lies ahead. Hugely impressive.” – Prog Magazine.
“Comparisons to bands like Tool, Live, A Perfect Circle and Nine Inch Nails come easy and for good reason. This is the new generation of players who are putting their spin on all things progressive, industrial and synthy. The grandsons of Genesis and Yes, this is progressive rock for the youth of today who find the originators a bit to baroque for their tastes… Their sound is built to appeal to fans of so many genres and preferences it should be a slam dunk.” – Skulls n’ Bones “JUPITER HOLLOW just produced the best prog metal album of all time this year, condensing, mixing and forging a hot musical steel here.” – Prog Archives “Each track displays plenty of musicianship from this young duo, with vocals continuing to strengthen and songwriting solidifying.” – Heavy Music Headquarters “A young Canadian duo ready to bring fans of complex music a spacey, experimental and refreshing experience… bursting with high-quality heaviness and progressiveness.” – The Headbanging Moose
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.
