Random Option (UK): Crossover Prog

This band has already been cleared in Crossover and added to PA. This post is just for information purposes, and to allow visitors to the forum to become familiar with the band.

RANDOM OPTION is a progressive rock band based in the UK which brings together members of the GENESIS covers band MAMA, the Liverpool-based Crossover Prog band THE SWAN CHORUS, and another Liverpool-based band called A BETTER MOUSETRAP who reformed as THE MOUSETRAP FACTORY about three years ago and released an album called 'The Beauty of Routine' in May 2023. The vocalist, John WILKINSON, has also worked with THE SAMURAI OF PROG.

David K JONES (bass guitar, bass pedals, additional guitars & keyboards) is a member of the GENESIS tribute band MAMA, a Warrington-based band called MOONSHOT which featured Tim BOWNESS, another band from the same area featuring Tim called PLENTY, and THE MOUSETRAP FACTORY. He released his own debut solo album 'Days In Corners' in 2020, guested on three songs on Tim BOWNESS's 2019 album 'Flowers At The Scene' and is currently working with Tim and Brian HULSE on the next PLENTY album.

Brian HULSE (guitars & additional keyboards) is also a member of PLENTY alongside Tim BOWNESS and David K JONES. Together with David K JONES and Antony WRETHAM, Brian also works with vocalist Peter GODDARD as part of the band THE MOUSETRAP FACTORY as well as working with Tim BOWNESS on the albums 'Flowers At The Scene', 'Late Night Laments' and 'Butterfly Mind'. Brian has also released several solo albums.

James COOPER (drums & percussion) formed his own GENESIS tribute act called MOONLIT KNIGHT in the early stages of his music career. The band only lasted about a year, but led to him becoming the drummer of the GENESIS tribute band MAMA. James initially worked with a band called CROWS IN THE CORNFIELD, and more recently with MOONSHOT on their 2020 release 'Worlds of Yesterday'.

John WILKINSON (vocals) is lead vocalist with the GENESIS tribute band MAMA as well as singing with RANDOM OPTION, the Italian Symphonic Prog band ELLESMERE, MOONSHOT and THE SWAN CHORUS. He has also worked with Bill BRESSLER and THE SAMURAI OF PROG, and he released his debut solo album 'Imposter Syndrome' in 2024.

Antony WRETHAM (piano, organ & keyboards) initially trained in fine art, and is a well-respected painter and photographer as well as a musician. Antony was therefore entrusted with creating all the artwork on the RANDOM OPTION debut album. Along with Brian, David and vocalist Peter GODDARD, he was also a founding member of A BETTER MOUSETRAP (now reformed as The MOUSETRAP FACTORY).

RANDOM OPTION's debut album 'One' was released on Whoop Records at the end of February 2025. The album consists of eight songs varying from short, melodic pop/rock tunes, to long, epic tracks of what some might even consider to be Symphonic Prog.



'One' (2025):
1. Tomorrow (7:31)
2. As Blue As The Sky (3:32)
3. Redemption (13:52)
4. Autumn Song (4:27)
5. One (8:37)
6. Along Similar Lines (4:47)
7. Sail Towards The Sun (4:23)
8. World Is Changing (8:36)

Total Time 55:45

Line-up / Musicians
- James Cooper / drums & percussion
- Brian Hulse / acoustic & electric guitars, additional keyboards
- David K Jones / bass guitar, bass pedals, additional guitars & keyboards
- John Wilkinson / vocals & backing vocals
- Antony Wretham / piano, organ & keyboards

With:
- Sian Doyle / Vocals (3)
- Peter Goddard / Voice (6)

Album concept & lyrics by David K Jones
Album arranged, recorded & produced by Random Option
Drums recorded at Catalyst Studios, engineered by Andy Bowes
Music by Brian Hulse, David K Jones & Antony Wretham
Mixed by Brian Hulse & David K Jones
Mastered by Brian Hulse
Album cover paintings by Antony Wretham
Photographs by David Broome
Album cover designed by Stefan Hepe & Random Option

CD Whoop Records (March 1st, 2025, UK)
Digital album 1st March, 2025

https://randomoption.bandcamp.com/album/one
https://www.randomoptionmusic.co.uk/
https://awesomeprog.com/artists/25664