Back in stock: Progressive Rock

Review: After Dinner is like one of those molecular gastronomy adventures, where dishes are both playful and highly complex, not necessarily revealing themselves until the very end. Done with talk of food? Let's just say this is a loose art collective led by a composer called Haco, who were concerned with taking musical plurality and splicing disparate elements together to create a kind of friendly Frankenstein's monster of sound.

And friendly it definitely is. Considered a true one-off of Japanese pop-art rock-avant garde, Paradise of Replica is jaunty, it's amusing, it's beguiling and, ultimately, incredibly immersive. There are moments where the clash of pianos plucked straight from a comedy of manners opera and rough electric guitars (to give one example of the juxtapositions) feel rather strange, but it doesn't take too long for you to get sucked right into the centre of this insane sonic universe.

Review: A stunning journey across musical landscapes, courtesy of Ayers' diverse artistic vision, the album opens with the expansive and orchestral 'There is Loving/Among Us/There is Loving,' a progressive epic that sets a grand tone, followed by the dreamy and affectionate 'Margaret,' a psychedelic ode to Ayers' girlfriend at the time. 'Oh My' sees proceedings taking a playful turn, infusing New Orleans jazz influences into a catchy singalong track that exudes charm. 'Song From The Bottom Of A Well' ventures into psychedelic territory with its haunting atmosphere and experimental soundscapes as Ayers pushes the boundaries. Whatevershebringswesing, the title track, unfolds beautifully over its eight-minute duration, featuring the soulful vocals of his Soft Machine comrade Robert Wyatt and stellar guitar work by Mike Oldfield. It's a highlight praised for its laid-back vibe and intricate musicality. 'Stranger In Blue Suede Shoes' injects a dose of old-fashioned rock 'n' roll energy with infectious piano riffs and memorable lyrics. 'Champagne Cowboy Blues' offers a nod to country-western music, enriched by Mike Oldfield's evocative guitar solos and subtle fiddle embellishments. The album closes with 'Lullaby,' a serene and enchanting piece enhanced by Didier Malherbe's flute and soothing piano, creating a perfect conclusion to Ayers' musical narrative.

Review: Dando Shaft were a British folk rock band active during the early 70s, and at the time of the release of their debut self-titler, all seemed to be looking up. This is reflected in its sound as much, with the album combining original songwriting and a sunny acoustic disposition with regional folk musics, whether they hailed from or near their local Coventry, or the furthest-Eastern corners of the globe. Trading Places do well to reissue this one, as it's a time-honoured classic that does solid justice to Dando Shaft's cache as one of the foremost group figures in the English folk revival movement of the 1960s and 70s.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


For this outing, the mighty Dusty Donuts crew return to Queensbridge where they cross paths with a 'Lost Girl' which featured on a legendary mixtape by one of QB's finest. The bouncy, choppy Marc Hype & Jim Dunloop Late Night Remix is guaranteed to energise any crowd with its well-programmed beats. On the flipside, the vibe shifts from Queensbridge to Staten Island and brings a unique sound that woos in a different fashion. This heavy soul classic arrives in true Shaolin style with dark, choppy soul chords and classic hip-hop beats. Both of these tracks command attention with powerful drums while the synths connect with both mind and soul.

Review: Syd Barrett recorded a special set just for the legendary John Peel Sessions for the cult Top Gear show which was presented by Peel himself on February 24, 1970. This is a record that captures exactly what he played and the selection also includes three extra unreleased songs recorded for a Bob Harris Sounds of the Seventies show almost exactly one year later. The tunes are paired with an equally historic Pink Floyd performance and the whole lot comes on a nice coloured slab of vinyl. It's a great way to relive a great time in prog.