Prog - Issue 139

In this issue

Rush
How Rush took on the 80s with Signals, and won!

Exploring Birdsong
Up-and-coming prog trio return with a brand-new EP and tales of working with Paul McCartney.

Alan Parsons
The Pineapple Thief’s Bruce Soord grills his hero Alan Parsons about his career..

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When Rush released their ninth studio album, Signals - their final record with longtime producer Terry Brown - one thing was clear: they had no intention of making another Moving Pictures. As the remaining members of the band prepare to unveil the 40th anniversary reissue, we uncover the space shuttle launch and unique Chemistry that inspired the birth of their keyboard era.

10+ mins

RUSH THROUGH TIME

Rush fans rejoice! Crown Lands are back with their second full-length album, Fearless, and it's a treasure trove of quality musicianship, complex time signatures and sci-fi-inspired lyrics that turn the prog dial up to 11. The duo with a huge sound reveal why they've ditched their trademark blues rock in favour of carrying the torch for their Canadian musical heroes.

10+ mins

Game On!

Never meet your heroes, so the saying goes. But The Pineapple Thief's Bruce Soord has never been one to stick to the rules, so when Prog asked if he'd like to interview Alan Parsons about the new Alan Parsons Project box set for The Turn Of A Friendly Card, he leapt at the chance. Here's what happened when Bruce met Alan.

7 mins

Bringing It Back

Comprising former members of IQ and Frost*, Rain have approached the challenges of creating their \"difficult\" second album with both passion and flair. But, as drummer Andy Edwards and keyboard player Rob Groucutt reveal, Radio Silence wasn't without its stressors and things could have been very different had their 2020 debut not been so well accepted...

4 mins

Hard As A Rök

After a gap of more than 20 years, Jethro Tull have returned with their second album of new material this decade. RökFlöte finds the band exploring Norse mythology with a harder edge than last year's The Zealot Gene. Prog catches up with lan Anderson to discuss Norse gods, ageing and his ambitious plan to release three studio albums in as many years.

7 mins

The Land Before Timeland

King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard have never shied away from the studio, but the psychedelic Aussies broke all records by releasing not one, not two, but five albums in 2022. Now back in the studio to work on their 24th long-player, bandleader Stu Mackenzie reveals the secrets of their impressive creativity and why he's doing it all for the fans..

5 mins

Carry On Constantly

Despite a steady flow of classic live releases, Hawkwind have always kept looking forwards and, with the release of their 35th studio album, they're now more aware than ever that The Future Never Waits. Mainman Dave Brock discusses the organic process that led to the creation of their topsy turvy concept album.

7 mins

Fantasy Island

Forget getting together in the country, Silver Moth met up at a remote studio on the Isle Of Lewis for their debut album, Black Bay. Members of the new ethereal post-rock collective, which include Mogwai's Stuart Braithwaite, speak about stepping into the unknown to create some outstanding art.

5 mins

Walking The Plank

After almost nine years of musical silence, Todmorden's finest instrumental trio are sailing back over the horizon with a brilliant new album. Where have Plank been? How can a dog tune a guitar? What role does Barry Manilow play in their music? And how many time signature changes are too many? These questions and more are answered as David Rowe talks to Prog about their triumphant return.

5 mins

JETHRO TULL

Ian Anderson draws on Viking mythology on the follow-up to The Zealot Gene - but no one's living in the past on Tull's 23rd album.

3 mins

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Prog Magazine Description:

Prog is an international magazine devoted to progressive music in all its guises. From the classic pioneers of the 70s through the 80s Marillion-helmed revival, to the impact of the likes of Radiohead and Muse in the 90s and today’s vibrant and ever-developing scene spearheaded by the likes of Steven Wilson, Opeth and Anathema. With our strong network of contacts the magazine gets behind the big stories of yesteryear and brings you the best coverage of what’s happening today with exclusive and informative interviews. The website brings you all the latest news from the world of prog. Astounding sounds from amazing, intelligent and thought-provoking music.