Back in stock: Progressive Rock

Review: The new album from veteran British prog heroes Jethro Tull is a dynamic relacing of their signature prog rock sound with portentous moods, documenting nine new tracks varying in length from two and a half minutes to almost seventeen minutes. Released as a reflective nod to their earlier records, it comes with Ian Anderson's unmistakable flute performances marking lush acoustic passages, then through to more adventurous, electric moments. Lyrically, the record pinpricks Anderson's topical approach and observational assessments of the various turmoils facing a surreal present day, though the music is actually still more personal than ever. Flurries of accordion, mandolin and tenor guitar back up this storytold mood, stenting the unwieldiness of the times with a support from the signature sound of the 1970s.