Back in stock: Progressive Rock

Review: Hailing from Herne Bay in the south east of England, Kevin Ayers emerged as a pioneering figure in the nearby Canterbury scene. His second solo release with the Whole World is a testament to the experimental spirit of early 70s UK music, mixing progressive rock with psychedelia and avant-garde influences, blending whimsical ballads and intricate soundscapes. Tracks like 'May I?' and 'Rheinhardt & Geraldine' show off his knack for fusing carefree melodies with more experimental structures, while 'Underwater' and 'Clarence in Wonderland' explore the era's boundary-pushing approach to sound. Featuring contributions from Mike Oldfield and Robert Wyatt, the record's genre-defying nature helped cement Ayers as a key figure in progressive rock. Though originally released in 1970, this album remains an influential work, still resonating with contemporary artists drawn to its mix of playfulness and musical innovation.

Review: Originally released in 1994, the fifth full-length from progressive metal-tinged Christian hard rockers King's X is often considered to be their definitive work. Following the breakout success of its Atlantic Records distributed 1992 self-titled predecessor, which already marked a notable heavier turn, this new direction would be fully embraced with the help of producer Brendan O'Brien (having been impressed by his recent work with the likes of Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots and The Black Crowes). Dogman ultimately ended their, at the time, exclusive recording collaboration with rock production veteran Sam Taylor, who had overseen every prior album to date, allowing for a new lease of sonic life, whilst the most profound and resonant aspect of the material came from vocalist/bassist/primary songwriter Doug Pinnick's crisis of faith. Pondering his uncertainty with religious beliefs he had held dear his entire life, this newfound vulnerability and admittance of spiritual void hit home with not only their devout (no pun intended) fanbase but with unfamiliar newcomers lured in by the frenetic heaviness before relating to the potential agnostic viewpoints within.

Review: The Magick Brother & Mystic Sister outfit is a four-piece comprising Eva Muntada, Marc Tena, Maya Fernandez and Xavi Sandoval and they craft intricate, esoteric progressive rock. Following their 2020 debut, they've gained acclaim for their immersive, mystic-tinged sound. Tarot Part 2 continues their journey and is inspired by tarot cards and featuring lush hammered dulcimer riffs and hypnotic instrumentation. From the commanding opener 'Strength' to the enigmatic closer 'Unnamed Arcane,' the album weaves a spellbinding tapestry of sound. Rich in sonic layers, it's a captivating experience for both spiritual seekers and prog enthusiasts, blending otherworldly themes with masterful musicianship.

Review: Enduring prog rock favourites Pink Floyd played this typically mesmeric live performance at the Rainbow Theatre in London on February 20, 1972. It showcases a significant portion of the material that would later appear on their iconic album The Dark Side of the Moon, released a year later and still all these decades the high water mark for certain prog fans. The concert is a superb glimpse into the band's evolving sound, with intense, atmospheric performances and raw energy all present and correct as they work through classics like 'Money', with its snaking bassline, and 'US & Them', in their early versions. A historical snapshot of one of rock's most influential bands in their prime.

Review: Pink Floyd's filmed performance in the haunting ruins of Pompeii has always been one of the band's most enigmatic moments, and this newly reworked version reveals an even deeper level of intimacy and chaos. The remastering by Steven Wilson accentuates the tonal complexity, particularly in 'Echoes,' where each reverberation and shift in atmosphere feels more present. The raw, untamed energy of 'Careful With That Axe, Eugene' and the hypnotic pulse of 'A Saucerful of Secrets' add a depth to the band's evolving sound. There's a startling sense of discovery in these tracksiboth in the unedited 'A Saucerful of Secrets' and the alternate take of 'Careful With That Axe, Eugene.' Pink Floyd's creative tension and experimental spirit pulse through these recordings, making the listening experience feel like an invitation to witness them at their most initmate and unguarded.

Review: Helsinki-based sextet Soft Power return with their fourth release i a richly detailed and expansive jazz-rock record that confirms their standing as one of Finland's most original ensembles. Formed in 2015, the group continues to push forward with a sound rooted in Nordic jazz and progressive traditions, but always shaped by clarity, control and sharp melodic thinking. It's a new release that leans into modal harmony, rhythmic intricacy and instrumental colour, without ever tipping into excess. 'Zeppelin' unfurls with measured power, while the title track 'Space To Breathe' delivers a slow, immersive build full of harmonic subtlety and textural weight. Lush electric keys and layered horns give the record its warmth, while tight ensemble playing keeps the edges crisp. There's a sense of atmosphere here that's as important as any solo or theme i a carefully built tension between groove, abstraction and mood. Without falling into pastiche, the band channel the mysticism of 70s European fusion and reshape it for the present, offering a record that's cool, grounded and quietly complex. A standout addition to the Finnish jazz-rock catalogue and a clear sign that this group continues to grow with purpose.