RUINS

OK where to start. Zeppy Heaven it's not, it's Sabbath, no maybe Hawkwind, hold on that might be Jethro Tull, maybe Hidria Spacefolk, Pentacle, even Soundgarden. One of the problems listening to so much prog is that you end up constantly comparing, looking for similarities. Since none of us are born in a vacuum unless someone plays a tuba with their left foot underwater in 13/8 accompanied by Krummerhorns it won't be original (and did Gentle Giant not do that?). This is a refreshing, modern rift heavy, folksy, journey. Very quickly you can hear and feel the band's identity. Ninth Night and Rhine Sagas pulsate with raw energy, but it is in Kingfisher that there is true gold. Instantly grabbing, hypnotic vocals and riff. Is there a hint of Stone Roses? When it ends you want more, and more (and that's what you get with two reprises).Thistle begins with grunging guitar but soon the sweet harmony vocal comes in. Whereas Crumbling Dais starts with a mellow flute before the heavy guitar cuts in, but there are still the distinctive vocal. For some reason it reminds me of the Horslips (as does Belong), but it doesn't sound like the Horslips, it's more the mix of heavy guitar with at times folksy vocal. Not Me Sir, as a die-hard Hidria fan the opening is top notch but as soon as the vocals cut in we are dragged from Finnish space-proginess to lupine serenity. The impression is of band playing comfortably in their own space. No over-complication for the sake of it. This is my favourite prog album for 2016.