By Bona Pjarren (opening comments by Monk)
It’s Friday night and the first night of Prog XIII, for what seems to be the least troubled of the recent HRH promotions. Anyone who keeps even half an eye on social media will know the controversy and travails with which the franchise has been beset over the past few months months, with numerous allegations about fake bookings, false advertising and unpaid appearance fees being flung in the direction of the HRH management. It’s a debate in which we at ÜRHQ have chosen not to participate, as there are always three sides to every story and anything we print would be based on third party commentary. But, it has to be admitted that most, if not all, of these allegations have gone unanswered by the accused party, who have soldiered on defiantly, as this weekend proves. And so, I hand over to my colleague Bona to comment on what actually happened over the weekend…
For this first night, all the action is confined to the venue’s smaller upstairs room tonight; this means that there is no room for us media types to work, so it will have to be a little about each band and hopefully we will be able to resume service as usual tomorrow.
Opening proceedings for us this evening are Death Ingloria, a multi media band comprising an AI unit named Okami and one almost real girl (Galina Rin), but essentially a one woman project. It is an interesting concept andI can see why she was the first act on.
The music delivered by The Book Of Revelations is unapologetically similar to early Genesis; a mixture of multiple 12-string guitars, long instrumental passages, BIG Polyphony from the keys and classically influenced lyrics. Influences include early Genesis (natch), Yes, Pink Floyd, Caravan, PFM, Gentle Giant, Jethro Tull, Marillion etc. TBOR certainly wear their hearts on their sleeves, with roving time signatures and a sound reminiscent of early Genesis and definitely Marillion, and they really rocked the audience. A great set of accomplished musicians.
Ironically regarded as “one of the new ÜK-based progressive/classic rock bands”, The Tirith actually has a long history stretching back to the ’70s, the present band reformed in 2010 and defintiely have a sound of their own. While very ’70s orientated, they did not remind me of any particular band from that period. They are undoubtedly prog and are silky smooth in their transitions. They are a very entertaining band and really entertained the crowd.
Closing tonight’s relatively short programme, Seas Of Mirth describe themselves as “an aquatically enthused outfit” based in the East Midlands, and they certainly are an entertaining band. An eclectic mix of prog meets calypso with folk elements. The sense of humour was always to the fore not withstanding the ‘Hocus Pocus’ cover done in their own individual style. A real crowd pleaser, and they had a patrol of jellyfish surfing the audience. Seas of Mirth are well worth catching live.
Kicking off Saturday’s proceedings, for us at least, we have West Midlands power trio Echo Gecco with psychedelic and jazzy style riffs. The drummer was using some interesting patterns and the vocalist had a distinctive voice. A good solid start to the day.
MonkeyTrial are an interesting band live. A bit psychedelic, with space rock and an element of Pink Floyd. It is very chilled out in its musical approach. Definitely music to chill out to.
Polish imports Voda have a much heavier sound than the other bands so far. It is a combination of hard rock with jazz elements. Voda are a very good entertaining band with some driving rhythms powered by a very accomplished drummer and bassist.
Blackheart Orchestra is officially the smallest orchestra in the world. Two people playing 13 instruments between them, Chrissy Mostyn and Rick Pilkington perform in what has been described as a ‘musical space station’ of instruments including guitar, bass, percussion, mandola, piano, organ, omnichord and their collection of vintage synthesisers. Live, the duo are spellbindingly good. Chrissy’s vocals are ethereal and full of passion. They use a lot of synths onstage which really adds to their experimental sound. They did a version of ‘The Tide’ which was absolutely sublime. It’s surprising that just two people can create such a marvellous soundscape.
Tracing their roots back to 1966, Stray are the archetypal heavy prog band live, with their blaring Hammond sound and grinding guitars, they bring loads of energy to the stage. Stray are still a force to be reckoned with. They have good song writing which stands the test of time. A real crowd pleaser.
Ozric Tentacles are an English instrumental rock band, whose music incorporates elements from a diverse range of genres, including psychedelic rock,progressive rock, space rock, jazz fusion, electronic music, dub music, and ambient music. Formed in Somerset in 1983, the band has released over 30 albums selling over a million copies worldwide despite never having signed to a major recording label. Throughout many line-up changes over the years, co-founder and guitarist Ed Wynne has remained the only original member of the band. Live Ozrics are an incredible festival band, with a wide range of musical and experimental styles, including glissando guitar. Their heady brand of space rock really takes you on a cosmic journey. With tracks like ‘Sploosh’ and ‘6 Kick Muck’ they are certainly a band worth catching.
Arthur Wilton Brown should need no introduction. Still going strong after 50 years, live he just has to be experienced. He has one of the most extensive vocal ranges of any performer I have seen. Add to that an impressive stage presence thanks to his use of theatrical costume and face paint, coupled with his ability to work a crowd, and you have an evergreen artist that can’t be ignored. Arthur is a legend on the live circuit and should not be missed. And of course he had to do a version of ‘The God of Hellfire’ that brought the roof down.
Headliners Hawklords are another band that are just great fun live. They came up through the festival scene and have an ethos of enjoying themselves which really comes across on stage. Hawklords have built their sound around space rock and it is instantly accessible. Highlights of tonight include a cover of ‘Master Of The Universe’ in honour of the recently deceased Nik Turner, bringing the curtain down on the weekend’s proceedings in suitably retrospective yet progressive style.
- All photos © Simon Dunkerley.
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