Prog - Issue 140

In this issue

Mike Oldfield
An all-star cast celebrate the 50th anniversary of a bona fide prog classic.

Amplifier
Now pared back to a duo, the space proggers discuss their new mini-album, Hologram, their first for six years.

THE PINEAPPLE THIEF BROUGHT TO BOOK!

Due in June, a lavish eight-disc ‘book set’ will chart the early days of Bruce Soord’s melancholic progressive rock group, with plenty of bonus material fleshing out their story.

2 mins

US AND THEM

Scandinavian pair tap into British folk horror for a spooky but intimate experience.

2 mins

POLINSKI

Futuristic soundscapes from the electronic mind of 65daysofstatic noise-maker.

2 mins

COVET

Life-affirming and joyful storytelling from a modern-day guitar master.

2 mins

THE ENIGMA DIVISION

Former Xerath members reach for the Sky(net) with sci-fi-inspired project.

2 mins

Q&A DAVID PATON

Pilot bassist and The Alan Parsons Project member reminisces about working with Kate Bush, Rick Wakeman’s unusual ice-breakers, and that time one of his songs was used to advertise a diabetes drug.

4 mins

IN MEMORY OF RAY SHULMAN

He was the youngest of Gentle Giant’s three brothers and was regarded as the glue that held the band’s incredible music together. Bassist and violin player Ray Shulman’s influence can be heard all over the group’s best-known work, which includes The Power And The Glory, Free Hand and Octopus. His death at the age of 73, has left behind an impressive legacy for aspiring artists who prefer their music to have a more adventurous streak.

6 mins

GOLDEN BELLS

In early 1973, a 19-year-old musician from south-east England was on the cusp of mega-stardom as he prepared to release his debut solo album. Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells was unlike anything else at the time and went on to transform the former folk artist into a multi-platinum-selling global sensation. In an exclusive interview for Prog, Oldfield celebrates the groundbreaking ambient record’s 50th anniversary reissue with the story of its creation and the sequels it inspired.

10+ mins

Whatever happened to the teenage dream?

Following on from 2021’s acclaimed Aphelion, Leprous frontman Einar Solberg has dipped a toe into solo waters on his debut, 16. The accidental concept album finds him flexing his collaborative muscles with some familiar names as he revisits the life-changing events of his formative years that eventually led to him becoming a musician.

6 mins

NOT SO FRAGILE AFTER ALL

As Yes achieve their quickest turnaround between studio album projects for more than half a century, Prog holds up a mirror to the soul of the seemingly unstoppable progressive giants as they consider their immediate – and long-term – future with Mirror To The Sky.

10+ mins

Alive And Amplified

It’s been six years since Trippin’ With Dr Faustus, and Amplifier have returned with mini-album, Hologram. But behind the scenes, everything’s changed – or has it? Even as the band wrestle with the monster they’re building for their full-length follow-up, mainman Sel Balamir tells Prog how the spirit of Amplifier remains constant through line-up changes, moving studios, and discovering fresh ways of making music.

7 mins

The Remains Of The Day

After a seven-year gap, Canadian occult rockers Blood Ceremony are back with The Old Ways Remain. Inspired by 70s soundtracks, folk and women’s literature, its 10 tracks of esoteric goodness are definitely worth the wait. Vocalist, organist and flutist Alia O’Brien discusses the benefits of recording local, her teenage passion for Jethro Tull and her new-found joy for foraging.

5 mins

The Impossible Dream

Despite the success of 2020’s acclaimed Love Over Fear, the last few years haven’t been an easy ride for Pendragon. Mainman Nick Barrett tells Prog about the new mini-album, North Star, and how the band are rising to the challenges of touring in the 2020s with their very own ‘VIP’ weekenders.

7 mins

LOST KINGDOMS

On her latest album, The Last Kingdom – Destiny Is All, Eivør Pálsdóttir revisits her powerful collaboration with the Emmy-winning composer John Lunn for the Netflix/ BBC TV show, The Last Kingdom. Now its final chapter has been turned into a feature- length movie, Seven Kings Must Die, Eivør and Lunn have teamed up with Danny Saul to create an album of music inspired by it. The Faroese singer-songwriter discusses throat singing, her love for Enya and returning to her birthplace.

5 mins

The Depths Of The Ocean

On their latest album Holocene, The Ocean dive deeper into prog rock while philosophising over the post-pandemic world. Mastermind Robin Staps tells Prog about its story – and the near-death experience that almost derailed everything.

5 mins

PHIL STUCKEY (STUCKFISH)

The great and good of progressive music give us a glimpse into their prog worlds.

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.