Drop (Vinyl)

"The follow up to last year’s The Last Harvest see’s this Canterbury scene inspired band gain a couple of new members (drummer James Hall and woodwind player Chris Egan). It was recorded over a 40 day period, where the band worked quickly and, according to the press release, discarded anything that didn’t fit.What you get is 8 tracks of contemporary progressive rock in quite a folky vein, with nods and hints to previous eras, particularly with the lovely warm Hammond sound and the woodwind that effortlessly ebbs and flows throughout this album.What really pulls it all together though is the amazing vocals of Lucie V, however, it seems that whilst I was polishing off this review Lucie and the band have parted company, which is a real shame as her vocals were an integral part of the band, and indeed this album.Starting with a loose trilogy, Overture gently sets the scene for the album, before Lucie and the boys go really folky on the rather wonderful A Sea Shanty, which leads into the first curiosity on the album, a wonderfully psyche piece of woodwind and folk, with goonish voices intoning “Don’t shoot the albatross”. It sounds bonkers written down, but in reality it’s a really funky piece of music, showcasing all the virtuoso performances that the band can pull together.The way that founders Danny Chang, Rik Loveridge and Phil Warren jam together is wonderful to hear, new boy Chris Egan given space to fill with his reeds, showing how much confidence the band have in him.Feeling like an offcut, or link to the debut album, Horsa from Beyond the Grave returns to the band’s roots, a wonderfully epic piece from one of the legendary brothers Horsa and Hengist, who as everyone knows turned against King Vortigern, with Horsa dying in battle and Hengist being first King of Kent. The impassioned vocals from Lucie implore Hengist to turn away from destruction and towards peace, and with some amazing musicianship from the band, this nod to the debut is one of the strongest pieces on the album. The next trilogy, Tale of Three Lovers, starts with the folky Wishing Well. Again the band are focusing more on folk-rock elements than the previous album, and this gives the songs room to breathe, making the instrumentation more subtle, and allowing songs to work their way into your head, but they soon kick it up a gear, again a different mood change from the debut album, and one that really showcases the amazing power of Lucie’s voice.You Better Shut Your Mouth is one of the best on the album for me, with an absolute killer bass groove that kicks into a full-on rock track, allowing Chang to showcase his phenomenal guitar work, and some brilliant woodwind from Egan, but it’s Lucie who steals the show here, her versatile and powerful vocals running the gamut from scorned to scornful, with the absolute killer line “I burnt your records, I never did like Prog rock anyway” – pure genius on a powerfully funky track.Following this is the absolute 360 degree turn around, based on true life experience. Never Tell On Me is one of those songs with a wonderful melody, and is the most commercial sounding track on here, with really dark lyrics (a trick pulled off by bands like Squeeze and the Beautiful South). It’s quite a harrowing track about domestic abuse, and by God it’s effective, again kudos to Lucie for her vocal performance.Rounding it off is the slow-burning, almost Floydian Last Goodbye, the band really does change gear again and go all atmospheric and moody with some superb performances all round, and this is the fitting way to finish.So, to sum up, Sprezzatura is a totally different beast to its predecessor, giving the band plenty of room to grow and experiment, and it sounds very much like a band working out where they want to go next and who they want to be going forward.Unfortunately, instead of being a transitional album, it’s now a full stop, rather than being a stepping stone to the next album with Lucie, it’s now the end of an era.Wherever the band and Lucie head next on their own individual musical journeys we wish them the best, and can look back on the burst of creativity that produced these two wonderful albums with fondness and relish the fact that whilst their journeys continue in a different direction, we have these musical postcards from the road to treasure." - The Progressive Aspect

"A mid-Seventies jazz/fusion band from Belgium, the superb Abraxis boasted musicians from other jazz-rock groups of the decade such as Pazop, Placebo and Waterloo, with keyboardist Charles Loos and bassist Jean-Paul Musette known to some prog fans as being members of Belgian band Cos, performing on their first album `Postaeolian Train Robbery' (but departed before the follow-up `Viva Boma'). Released in 1977, their fully instrumental debut is an enjoyable and impeccably performed mixture of flute dominated jazz, Canterbury inspired fusion, '70s funk and even a pinch of Zeuhl! As much of their music here was dominated by piano and flute, it gives `Abraxis' a frequent Focus-like quality in parts, actually quite classical and grand in a few moments here and there. Canterbury bands like Gilgamesh and the instrumental passages of National Health also come to mind, and definitely parts are still identifiable as Cos, although in a firmer jazz sound without the avant-garde vocal qualities and loopier elements of that band.Brief opener `Clear Hours' is a more fusion-flavoured version of something that could have come off the first Camel album, a breezy and immensely likable tune with constantly twisting guitars, grumbling bass, peppy electric piano spirals and loopy synth trills all duelling back and forth with quickie little call-and-response soloing runs between each-other. The gently melancholic flute, dramatic piano and overall classical sophistication of the four-part sixteen-minute suite `Valse De La Mort' reminds instantly of the classic Seventies-era Focus albums, whimsical and reflective one moment, stirring with spontaneous improvised manic bursts the next. Humming bass, fiery nimble guitar licks, dreamy shimmering keyboards and rambunctious drumming all have their moments to shine in this exquisite piece.`Sweetank' opens the second side and is the highlight of the disk, a delirious and splintering jazz-fusion tantrum crammed with funky swallowing Zeuhl-like bass, wiry electric guitar, glistening electric piano, huffing flute and loopy electronic breakdowns over thrashing drum spasms. Sadly it's over in barely 4 minutes, just a teasing fling that leaves you craving more! `Billy the Keith' is a laid-back romantic simmer-down with a slightly syrupy melody (but it's oh-so charming all the same), `Jeronimo' is a cheerful runaway electric piano and cheeky flute-peppered interlude, the almost seven minute `Bolle Winkel' is another lengthier fusion workout where all the musicians get ample soloing moments to shine, and the fleeting closer `Arhumba' is a playful piano/flute powered ditty.Needless to say, the musicianship is consistently outstanding throughout `Abraxis', with the entire 37 minute LP flying by without a trace of inferior material emerging. A true obscure reissued gem that could not be more welcome, if a Canterbury/jazz-fusion flavoured mix of Focus, Camel and Cos with a pinch of Zeuhl sounds intriguing to you, track it down immediately!" - ProgArchives

Tortilla Flat released their sole studio album in 1974.  I was lucky enough to have it as part of my record collection for many years.  It was a favorite but the priced soared on original vinyl and I (or my wife I can't remember who) decided it was more important to pay off the mortgage on my home so it eventually left Casa Lasers Edge and wound up in a collector's hands in Russia.  Thanks Ebay!  Truth is I've had seller's remorse ever since.I actually had conversations with the band's old manager for the possibility of a CD reissue.  This went on for awhile but didn't prove fruitful.  What I did learn was the band went through different iterations of their lineup and there was a lot of unreleased live recordings.  The music of Tortilla Flat sits somewhere between two worlds.  A bit prog rock and a bit jazz rock in equal parts.  Its an all instrumental effort.  Flute is quite prominent but so is electric piano and dirty fuzz guitar.  Standing back and listening to it after many years I would say that the Canterbury scene was a major influence.  Soft Machine and Hatfield & The North share a musical affinity with Tortilla Flat.Long Hair Music was able to accomplish what I set out to do 25 years ago, presenting not only vinyl and CD reissues of the album but there is also a companion release of their SWF radio session from 1973.  Perhaps there will be more to come.  BUY OR DIE!

WE ARE NOW TAKING PREORDERS FOR THE RE-PRESS OF THE CAMEL "AIRBORN" 27 CD/5 BLU RAY BOX SET.  STREET DATE IS MAY 3, 2024.  PLEASE DO NOT COMBINE YOUR PREORDER WITH YOUR REGULAR STOCK ORDER.  WE DO NOT SPLIT SHIPMENTS OR RESERVE STOCK ITEMS.  AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT - PLACE YOUR PREORDER SEPARATELY.In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the release of their self-titled debut album, this 32-disc super deluxe boxed set is the definitive tribute to the legendary band Camel. The boxed features newly remastered versions of every Camel album and single issued between 1973 and 1984,  but also includes new stereo and 5.1 Surround Sound versions of the albums “Camel”, “Mirage”, “Music Inspired by The Snow Goose”, “Moonmadness” and “Nude”, as well as new mixes of three concerts; The Marquee Club, London 1974, Hammersmith Odeon 1976 and Hammersmith Odeon 1977 The set also features previously unreleased out-takes from album recording sessions and BBC Radio “In Concert” appearances from 1974, 1975, 1977 and 1981. Additionally included is a Blu ray video disc of promotional videos and BBC TV appearances on “The Old Grey Whistle Test” and “Sight and Sound In Concert” and a Blu ray video disc of the 1984 concert film “Pressure Points”The boxed set includes a lavishly illustrated book with essay and a poster.CD ONE “Camel” – Remastered (Released as MCA Records MUPS 473 in 1973)Slow Yourself DownMystic QueenSix AteSeperationNever Let GoCuriosityArubalubaSarah (previously unreleased) - Bonus trackNever Let Go (single version) - Bonus trackHomage to the God of Light (live) (from "Greasy Truckers - Live at Dingwalls Dance Hall") - Bonus trackCD TWO “Mirage” – Remastered (Released as Deram SML 1107 in 1974)FreefallSupertwisterNimrodel / The Procession / The White RiderEarthriseLady FantasyEarthrise (Bonus tracks: Demo session - Decca Studios 15th July 1973 (Previously unreleased))The Traveller (Bonus tracks: Demo session - Decca Studios 15th July 1973 (Previously unreleased))Supertwister (Bonus tracks: Demo session - Decca Studios 15th July 1973 (Previously unreleased))The White Rider (Bonus tracks: Demo session - Decca Studios 15th July 1973 (Previously unreleased))Lady Fantasy (Bonus tracks: Demo session - Decca Studios 15th July 1973 (Previously unreleased))CD THREE “Mirage” sessionsLady Fantasy (Basing Street studios original mix)Autumn (previously unreleased)Nimrodel / The Procession / The White Rider (BBC Radio One "In Concert" - 6th June 1974) - Bonus trackLigging at Louis' (BBC Radio One "In Concert" - 6th June 1974) - Bonus trackLady Fantasy (BBC Radio One "In Concert" - 6th June 1974) - Bonus trackArubaluba (BBC Radio One "In Concert" - 6th June 1974) - Bonus trackCD FOUR Live at The Marquee Club - 30th June 1974 (Newly mixed in full by Stephen W. Tayler)IntroductionEarthriseNimrodelSix AteSupertwisterMystic QueenArubalubaCD FIVE Live at The Marquee Club - 30th June 1974 (Newly mixed in full by Stephen W. Tayler)Rhayader Goes to TownThe Snow Goose / FreefallLady FantasyHomage to the God of LightCD SIX “Music Inspired by The Snow Goose” – Remastered (Released as Decca SKL-R 5207 in May 1975)The Great MarshRhayderRhayder Goes to TownSanctuaryFrithaThe Snow GooseFriendshipMigrationRhayder AloneFlight of the Snow GoosePreparationDunkirkEpitaphFritha AloneLa Princesse PerdueThe Great MarshFlight of the Snow Goose (single version) - Bonus trackRhayder (single version) - Bonus trackCD SEVEN “Snow Goose” sessions - Recorded and mixed at Decca Studios, Broadhurst Gardens 7th June 1974RivermanRhayder Goes to Town (BBC Radio One “In Concert” – 22nd April 1975)Sanctuary (BBC Radio One “In Concert” – 22nd April 1975)The Snow Goose (BBC Radio One “In Concert” – 22nd April 1975)Migration (BBC Radio One “In Concert” – 22nd April 1975)Rhayder Alone (BBC Radio One “In Concert” – 22nd April 1975)Flight of the Snow Goose (BBC Radio One “In Concert” – 22nd April 1975)Preparation (BBC Radio One “In Concert” – 22nd April 1975)Dunkirk (BBC Radio One “In Concert” – 22nd April 1975)Epitaph (BBC Radio One “In Concert” – 22nd April 1975)La Princesse Perdue (BBC Radio One “In Concert” – 22nd April 1975)The Great Marsh (BBC Radio One “In Concert” – 22nd April 1975)Selections from "The Snow Goose" (BBC TV Old Grey Whistle Test – 21st June 1975) a. The Snow Goose / b. Friendship / c. Rhayader Goes to TownCD EIGHT “Live at The Royal Albert Hall - 17th October 1975” – Remastered & mixed with the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by David BedfordIntroduction by Peter BardensThe Great MarshRhayderRhayder Goes to TownSanctuaryFrithaThe Snow GooseFriendshipMigrationRhayder AloneFlight of the Snow GoosePreparationDunkirkEpitaphFritha AloneLa Princesse PerdueThe Great MarshEncore: Lady Fantasy (previously unreleased)CD NINE “Moonmadness” – Remastered (Released as Decca TXS-R 115 in 1976)AristillusSong Within a SongChord ChangeSpirit of the WaterAnother NightAir BornLunar SeaSprit of the Water (demo) - Bonus trackChord Change (demo) (previously unreleased) - Bonus trackLunar Sea (demo) (previously unreleased) - Bonus trackAnother Night (single version) - Bonus trackCD TEN Live at Hammersmith Odeon - 14th April 1976 – (Newly mixed in full by Stephen W. Tayler)AristillusSong Within a SongThe Great MarshRhayaderRhayader Goes to TownAir BornChord ChangeThe White RiderCD ELEVEN Live at Hammersmith Odeon - 14th April 1976 (Newly mixed in full by Stephen W. Tayler)Lunar SeaPreparationDunkirkAnother NightLady FantasyCD TWELVE “Rain Dances” (Released as Decca TXS-R 124 in 1977)First LightMetrognomeTell MeHighways of the SunUnevensongOne of These Days I'll Get An Early NightElkeSkylinesRain DancesHighways of the Sun (single version) - Bonus trackFirst Light (live at the Colston Hall, Bristol 2nd October 1977) - Bonus trackMetrognome (live at the Colston Hall, Bristol 2nd October 1977) - Bonus trackUnevensong (live at the Colston Hall, Bristol 2nd October 1977) - Bonus trackSkylines (live at Leeds University 3rd October 1977) - Bonus trackLunar Sea (live at the Colston Hall, Bristol 2nd October 1977) - Bonus trackRaindances (live at the Colston Hall, Bristol 2nd October 1977) - Bonus trackCD THIRTEEN: “Raindances live”Never Let Go (live at the Colston Hall, Bristol 2nd October 1977)First Light (BBC In Concert - Golders Green Hippodrome - 29th September 1977)Metrognome (BBC In Concert - Golders Green Hippodrome - 29th September 1977)Unevensong (BBC In Concert - Golders Green Hippodrome - 29th September 1977)Rhayader / Rhayader Goes to Town (BBC In Concert - Golders Green Hippodrome - 29th September 1977)Skylines (BBC In Concert - Golders Green Hippodrome - 29th September 1977)Highways of the Sun (BBC In Concert - Golders Green Hippodrome - 29th September 1977)Lunar Sea (BBC In Concert - Golders Green Hippodrome - 29th September 1977)Rain Dances (BBC In Concert - Golders Green Hippodrome - 29th September 1977)Never Let Go (BBC In Concert - Golders Green Hippodrome - 29th September 1977)One of These Days I'll Get an Early Night (BBC In Concert - Golders Green Hippodrome - 29th September 1977)CD FOURTEEN: Live at Hammersmith Odeon – 30th September / 1st October 1977 (Newly mixed in full by Stephen W. Tayler)First LightMetrognomeUnevensongRhayaderRhayader Goes to TownPreparationDunkirkSanctuaryThe Snow GooseCD FIFTEEN: Live at Hammersmith Odeon – 30th September / 1st October 1977 (Newly mixed in full by Stephen W. TaylerTell MeSong Within a SongSkylinesHighway to the SunLunar SeaRain DancesOne of These Days I'll Get an Early NightCD SIXTEEN: “Breathless” (Released as Decca TXS-R 132 in 1978)BreathlessEchoesWing and a PrayerDown on the FarmStarlight RideSummer LightningYou Make Me SmileThe SleeperRainbow's EndRainbow's End (single version) - Bonus trackCD SEVENTEEN “I Can See Your House from Here” (Released as Decca TXS-R 137 in 1979)WaitYour Love is Stranger Than MineEye of the StormWho We AreSurvivalHymn to HerNeon MagicRemote RomanceIceRemote Romance (single version) - Bonus trackCD EIGHTEEN “Nude” – Released as Decca SKL 5323 in 1981City LifeNudeDraftedDocksBeachedLandscapesChanging PlacesPomp and CircumstancePlease Come HomeReflectionsCapturedThe HomecomingLiesThe Birthday Cake (The Last Farewell)Nude's Return (The Last Farewell)Captured (first version) (previously unreleased) - Bonus trackCD NINETEEN BBC Radio One In Concert - Hammersmith Odeon 27th February 1981 First broadcast 2nd May 1981Never Let GoSong Within a SongLunar SeaSummer LightningIceCity LifeDraftedDocksBeachedLandscapesChanging PlacesReflectionsCapturedThe Birthday Cake (The Last Farewell)Nude's Return (The Last Farewell)CD TWENTY “The Single Factor” – (Released as Decca SKL 5328 in 1982)No Easy AnswerYou Are the OneHeroesSelvaLullabyeSasquatchManicCamelogueToday's GoodbyeA Heart's DesireEnd PieceYou Are the One (promotional 12-inch single version) - Bonus trackCD TWENTY-ONE “Stationary Traveller” – (Released as Decca SKL 5334 in 1984)Pressure PointsRefugeeVoposCloak and Dagger ManStationary TravellerWest BerlinFingertipsMissingAfter WordsLong GoodbyesIn the Arms of Waltzing Fraulines - Bonus trackPressure Points (12-inch single extended version) - Bonus trackCD TWENTY-TWO “Pressure Points” Live at Hammersmith Odeon 11 May 1984Pressure PointsDraftedCapturedLiesRefugeeVoposStationary TravellerWest BerlinFingertipsCD TWENTY-THREE “Pressure Points” Live at Hammersmith Odeon 11 May 1984SasquatchWaitCloak and Dagger ManLong GoodbyesRhayaderRhayader Goes to TownLady FantasyCD TWENTY-FOUR “Camel” and "Mirage" New Stereo Mix by Stephen W TaylerSlow Yourself DownMystic QueenSix AteSeperationNever Let GoCuriosityArubalubaFreefallSupertwisterNimrodel / The Procession / The White RiderEarthriseLady FantasyCD TWENTY-FIVE “Music inspired by The Snow Goose” New Stereo Mix by Stephen W TaylerThe Great MarshRhayderRhayder Goes to TownSanctuaryFrithaThe Snow GooseFriendshipMigrationRhayder AloneFlight of the Snow GoosePreparationDunkirkEpitaphFritha AloneLa Princesse PerdueThe Great MarshCD TWENTY-SIX “Moonmadness” New Stereo Mix by Stephen W TaylerAristillusSong Within a SongChord ChangeSpirit of the WaterAnother NightAir BornLunar SeaCD TWENTY-SEVEN “Nude” New Stereo Mix by Stephen W TaylerCity LifeNudeDraftedDocksBeachedLandscapesChanging PlacesPomp and CircumstancePlease Come HomeReflectionsCapturedThe HomecomingLiesThe Birthday Cake (The Last Farewell)Nude's Return (The Last Farewell)DISC TWENTY-EIGHT (Blu-ray) “Camel” & "Mirage" High Resolution 5.1 Surround Sound & Stereo Mixes by Stephen W Tayler / High resolution original stereo mixSlow Yourself DownMystic QueenSix AteSeperationNever Let GoCuriosityArubalubaFreefallSupertwisterNimrodel / The Procession / The White RiderEarthriseLady FantasyAutumn - Bonus trackDISC TWENTY-NINE (Blu-ray): “Music inspired by The Snow Goose” & “Moonmadness” High Resolution 5.1 Surround Sound & Stereo Mixes by Stephen W Tayler / High resolution original stereo mixThe Great MarshRhayderRhayder Goes to TownSanctuaryFrithaThe Snow GooseFriendshipMigrationRhayder AloneFlight of the Snow GoosePreparationDunkirkEpitaphFritha AloneLa Princesse PerdueThe Great MarshRiverman - Bonus trackAristillusSong Within a SongChord ChangeSpirit of the WaterAnother NightAir BornLunar SeaDISC THIRTY (Blu-ray): “Nude” High Resolution 5.1 Surround Sound & Stereo Mixes by Stephen W Tayler / High resolution original stereo mixCity LifeNudeDraftedDocksBeachedLandscapesChanging PlacesPomp and CircumstancePlease Come HomeReflectionsCapturedThe HomecomingLiesThe Birthday Cake (The Last Farewell)Nude's Return (The Last Farewell)DISC THIRTY-ONE (Blu-ray): “The Video Vaults”Never Let GoArubalubaSelections from "The Snow Goose" a. The Snow Goose / b. Friendship / c. Rhayader Goes to Town (Guildford Civic Hall 1973 – MCA Promo film shown on “The Old Grey Whistle Test”)The White Rider (BBC TV – The Old Grey Whistle Test – 21st June 1975)Lunar Sea (BBC TV – The Old Grey Whistle Test – 21st June 1975)Preparation (BBC TV – The Old Grey Whistle Test – 21st June 1975)Dunkirk (BBC TV – The Old Grey Whistle Test – 21st June 1975)Another Night (BBC TV – The Old Grey Whistle Test – 21st June 1975)Lady Fantasy (BBC TV – The Old Grey Whistle Test – 21st June 1975)First Light (Live at Hammersmith Odeon – 14th April 1976)Metrognome (Live at Hammersmith Odeon – 14th April 1976)Unevensong (Live at Hammersmith Odeon – 14th April 1976)Rhayader / Rhayader Goes to Town (Live at Hammersmith Odeon – 14th April 1976)Skylines (Live at Hammersmith Odeon – 14th April 1976)Highways of the Sun (Live at Hammersmith Odeon – 14th April 1976)Lunar Sea (Live at Hammersmith Odeon – 14th April 1976)Rain Dances (Live at Hammersmith Odeon – 14th April 1976)Never Let Go (Live at Hammersmith Odeon – 14th April 1976)One of These Days I'll Get an Early Night (Live at Hammersmith Odeon – 14th April 1976)City Life (BBC TV – “Sight & Sound in Concert – 29th September 1977”)Lies (BBC TV – “Sight & Sound in Concert – 29th September 1977”)DISC THIRTY-TWO “Pressure Points”In the Arms of Waltzing FraulinesPressure PointsRefugeeVoposStationary TravellerWest BerlinFingertipsSasquatchWaitCloak and Dagger ManLong GoodbyesRhayaderRhayader Goes to TownLady FantasyIn the Arms of Waltzing Fraulines

"In the psychedelic late sixties there was a lively music scene in the Canterbury area that revolved around the band The Wilde Flowers. They never recorded much themselves, however, but after they disbanded other influential bands were formed from their ashes: Gong, Soft Machine, and, most importantly, Caravan. Caravan's eponymous debut was released in 1968.  It was considered a groundbreaking album capturing the freakish and exploratory moods of the times. Their sound went much further than the changing styles of the contemporary underground and that's what distinguished Caravan from other bands in their genre."

Latest from this British band captures the best elements of the 70s Canterbury scene.  There is a heavy reliance on Caravan as an influence but you'll hear undercurrents of Gong and Soft Machine as well."Devon based Cosmic troubadours Magic Bus mark their 10th anniversary with their fourth album The Earth Years, their first visit to our planet since 2017’s Phillip The Egg. The line-up has changed a little which has influenced a change in their musical palette but Magic Bus remain firmly in the territory of the Canterbury and Westcoast sound, tinged with Eastern mysticism. In dark and worrying times Magic Bus bring us the Sun. In the words of the final song We are One:Summer’s Coming, Summer’s comingHope is coming, Hope is comingTheir previous album Phillip the Egg saw Magic Bus taking a more ‘Prog’ approach with more expansive passages but The Earth Years finds them a little more succinct and grounded… maybe back to Earth? However, never fear Magic Bus fans… these ‘Merry Pranksters’ still wander joyfully through the sunlit meadows of psychedelia, dripping in psychedelic colours and drenched in whimsical hippie glory.Easy Om leads us in with a softly pastoral feel with Paul Evans’ distinctive psych wizard vocals weaving a spell before Magic Bus burst out with some great drumming from Connor Spring. The Hippie chant of the chorus is briskly accompanied by a tight band, conveying some of their live energy. It’s short and sweet, and tells us we’re spiritually definitely back on the Bus (called Further or Magic Bus), as described by Tom Wolfe in the Ken Kesey inspired The Electric Kool-Aid Test.  Since their last album Magic Bus have parted ways with Viv Goodwin-Darke, who used to provide flute and backing vocals. It feels as if her absence has meant a loss of her flights of soft melodic flute alongside her voice, which did give a rather gentle timbre to the songs at times. Inca Trail has slight echoes of that approach with a very subtle recorder from Chris D’Addo. On the other hand, Goodwin-Darke’s departure also gives much more space for Terence Waldstadt to express himself more fully with his undoubted guitar mastery. Additionally, ex-Kula Shaker maestro Jay Darlington has more opportunity to expand with his renowned keyboard skills. Inca Trail is an optimistic song underpinned with fluid organ interspersed with short bright bursts of subtle guitar work and embroidered with an ascending dreamy synth solo… But if I’m totally honest I still miss the floaty effect of the flute input at times. For instance, the pastoral idyll of Setting Sun has a gorgeous acoustic guitar, but one cannot help think the synth sounds quite… well, flute-y!In contrast Barleycorn may just contain some of the most powerful, insistent and discordant music Magic Bus have ever done, opening with aggressive guitar work and furious drumming before it drops almost sinisterly into a droning sitar sound. The tempo gradually picks up again with some flowing bass work from Wihll Mellorz and mellotron sounds from Jay Darlington, and then it all ends rather abruptly. Possibly one of the more peculiar outings from Magic Bus, with a hint of Gong, and all the more interesting for stretching their sound. Similarly, the oddly titled Squirrel is probably the most ambitious song on The Earth Years giving more chance to expand musically. An almost Fairground organ backing from Jay Darlington underlines the more playful nature of the song with Terence Waldstadt complimenting him beautifully on restrained guitars, and the assured rhythm section of Mellorz and Spring rolling along. Paul Evans’ vocals have developed over the years and on this year his mantra like chanting are particularly effective. Halfway through the piece the band lock together in a jazzy rhythm with Waldstadt and Darlington interweaving delightfully and softly – sometimes less is indeed more.The outstanding New Day is one of the highlights of the album and probably showcases the new line-up at their best. Acoustic guitars and Evans’ whimsical vocals float in on a bright wave of melody. There is such a sense of summery optimism shining out from this song, particularly when Darlington adds tasteful dashes of gorgeous organ work. It is only just over 5 minutes long but they pack so much into this piece with a psychedelic instrumental passage featuring a funky bass and great guitar and organ interplay. As this delightful song reaches it’s conclusion Waldstadt lays down an intuitive and restrained guitar with an oddly echoing finale. Magic Bus are a fine live outfit and this piece seems to capture that essence so well.Magic Bus’s latest sojourn on this planet fittingly ends with the resplendent and positive We are One. Unashamedly retro and soaked in Hippy optimism this is a piece to bring together listeners as the sun goes down after a beautiful day, and one can imagine this going down well at Magic Bus’s favourite habitat – Festivals.Magic Bus are not here to amaze us with wonderous technique (although they can certainly play). They do not come to bedazzle us with ground-breaking new sounds (but inspired by previous psychedelic fore-runners they undoubtedly produce beguiling and melodic music). They do not come to lecture or preach to us, but do have a simple message and straightforward approach, expressed skilfully and with real feeling. The lockdown has severely limited us all to our homes physically, but Magic Bus have produced some joyful music for our minds where we can journey spiritually anywhere. It may not change the world, but just for a few a few minutes the world will feel a better place, and isn’t that worth something these days?At a time when the world has been facing great anxiety and suffering maybe what we do need is music filled with positivity and dare I say it… Love!So put away your worries, open your mind and get on the Magic Bus for The Earth Years – we have even ‘Further’ to go:Summer’s Coming, Summer’s comingHope is coming, Hope is coming"- The Progressive Aspect