'Light Up' out now on Vinyl and CD right here
Available to stream and download on BandCamp here
Or listen on Spotify
Read the reviews
"Nothing prepared me for the extraordinary new line-up that they have settled on in the last few years. Solstice are back and are back to being brilliant. Their forthcoming album, Light Up, is utterly sensational: beautiful production, great songs, great voices, tricky rhythms and epic guitar solos.”
Greg Spawton - Big Big Train
"Wow - that's a great sounding album. Very Solstice, and with a wonderfully dynamic vibe. It evokes the spirit of the band I first saw in the 80s, but with very much a here and now production sound and brings with it the wisdom of those ensuing years. It really sounds alive!"
Jerry Ewing - Editor Prog Magazine
"Light Up is, as much as anything Solstice have ever released, a comprehensive musical celebration of their own unique furrow, bringing together all of the strands running through their work, and knitting them together into one highly satisfying whole."
Steve Pilkington - Read full review here - Velvet Thunder
What an amazing summer it's been! We've filmed our shows at Cropredy Festival and at The Stables, Wavendon. Both these full concert videos and live albums will be released in the future but Guardians have full access now. Check the link if you're interested in supporting the band in return for access to all kinds of content and access.
Prog Magazine's Reader's Poll
Absolutely phenomenal to be included in three categories of the 2022 Prog Readers Poll!! Thank you so much to all who voted for us!
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New to Solstice?? Why not grab this retrospective for as little as £3
'The Beginners Guide To Solstice' is 70 minutes of music and includes remasters tracks from each of our albums as Flacs, Wavs or mp3s.
Support our music making by becoming a Guardian and get exclusive access to content, merch and gigs.
Solstice announced for Cropredy Festival 2023!!
25 years on we make our return to this amazing festival. We're beyond thrilled to play what's bound to be a highlight of 2023!
Tickets now on sale here
Tickets now on sale here
Live In Veruno available here
Free or pay what you want... flac, wav and mp3
Watch the film and download the audio for our set at 2Days Of Prog +1 4/9/2022. Just follow the link above
Wonderful memories from some of the summer shows
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Sia - the beautiful new album available now on CD and Vinyl from GEP "Everything is melodious, whether it's simple and stripped down, like Long Gone, or energetic and busy, like Stand Up. Holland's voice is both innocent and ages old and there's an aura surrounding it. Glass's guitar is liquid and sinuous. He doesn't so much play it as just let it flow through him. Shout is undeniably a highlight of this album but, quite frankly, so is everything else. I expect to find myself coming back to this album a lot and it wouldn't surprise me to find a new favourite track every time I do. For now, it's Shout, the delightfully pastoral Long Gone and the magnificent build of the final track, A New Day. Tomorrow, it might instead be the perky Love is Coming, with the spotlight it shines on Newman's violin, often a duet partner with Holland's voice, or Stand Up with its darker guitar and gorgeous groove, or Seven Dreams, full of hidden secrets and beckoning vocals. Hey you, sings Jess Holland, and we obey." Apocalypse Later |
Solstice - 'Live at MK11' full concert video and album out now
'Sia Live - The Set List now on Youtube for all to enjoy. Movie file and disc image still available from out Ko-fi shop.
New 'Sia Live' album giveaway in thanks to all those who have supported us over the years. Follow this link for you free download.. out now!!
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Sia Live Recorded 27/6/21 and 4/9/21 at The Craufurd Wolverton, Shout Find Yourself Love Is Coming Guardian Stand Up Seven Dreams Cheyenne A New Day Sacred Run Morning Light |
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New releases on Ko-fi
'Sia Live - The Set List'
'Sia Live' is the full 2021 set list filmed across two shows and available to view in your browser or download as a video file or DVD image file. Pay £5 or more on our Ko-fi page.
2022 Tour Dates
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12/6/22 - Folk On The Green, Stony Stratford - FREE
24/6/22 - Glastonbury Festival - Toad Hall at Midnight 17/6/22 - Cambridge Rock Festival - TICKETS 20/8/22 - A New Day Festival - TICKETS 21/8/22 - The 1865, Southampton - TICKETS 28/8/22 - Towersey Festival - TICKETS 4/8/22 - 2 Days Of Prog +1 - Revislate, Italy - FREE 1/10/22 - Victoria Hall, Oundle with Quasar - TICKETS 16/10/22 - Robin 2, Bilston with Quasar - TICKETS 6/11/22 - MK11, Milton Keynes - TICKETS 26/11/22 - Danfest - The Musician, Leicester - TICKETS 8/4/23 - Progdreams, Boerderij, NL |
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Prophecy vinyl release
We are delighted to announce that Prophecy is finally being released on double vinyl via the superb Plane Groovy. A label renowned for exceptional quality and attention to detail.
Limited edition coloured vinyl and test pressings are available for pre-order only through Plane Groovy .
Included is a beautiful, full sized, pull out booklet of all Barry Kitson's original artwork, along with Steven Wilson's remixes from our debut album, Silent Dance.
Limited edition coloured vinyl and test pressings are available for pre-order only through Plane Groovy .
Included is a beautiful, full sized, pull out booklet of all Barry Kitson's original artwork, along with Steven Wilson's remixes from our debut album, Silent Dance.
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The return of a legend when it comes to psychedelic music, and with guitarist, backing vocalist and main man Andy Glass still at the helm, the only original member, it is, somewhat surprisingly, a stunning album. The new sextet includes females as vocalist Emma Brown and fiddle player Jenny Newman illustrate, plus a male quartet on the guitars, keys and drums. The album itself consists of 5 tracks, so you're getting the necessary short and long prog-rock classic approach to things on what is also a type of concept album, to boot (plus there are 3 bonus tracks that we'll come to later). The sound is very similar to their ye olde album “Silent Dance” only sounding remarkably fresh, original and surprisingly addictive for what is a hippy-esque example of prog-rock. The first track, “Eyes Of Fire”, eases you in gently with a low-key melodic mood that's as emotive as it is wistful, all manner of cosmic bliss flowing and floating its way through layers of heavenly female vocals, drifting guitar refrains and gently strummed acoustic, all creating a seriously full-sounding pastoral mood which warms the cockles of your heart, with even a Pink Floyd-esque electric guitar break around the 6 minute mark, taking you towards the end on ebbing waves of guitars and keys, now joined by Mason-esque drumming and the whole thing is pure “WYWH-era” Floyd. The 8 minute “Keepers of The Truth” is seriously decent seventies prog, like a cross between Renaissance, Wolf, Genesis and Greenslade, with organ, violin, keys, guitars and rhythm section backing, interweaving with and soloing over the rich sounding female vocals, again a strong burst of electric guitar providing the bite when the solo sizzles and burns, but there are so many textures, as the rhythms maintain a mid-paced strength and the whole thing is a mix of smouldering flame and energising bite. The synths come to the fore as the whole thing builds to a cresecendo, then winds down to end as it began, only with that female vocal joined by....well..... practically everything else. “Warriors” is a 17 and a half minute prog-rock epic by any other name, and if you can imagine a cross between Yes, Renaissance and Brand X with more atmosphere, less pomp, definitely better crafted and plenty of dynamics from searing guitar breaks to vocal-led passages of great reflection, then this numbers alongside the great prog-rock epics of that era and beyond. The next two tracks, at around 11 minutes each, follow a similar path, working a treat and essential listening for anyone into seventies prog, and even modern-era prog, come to that. Through playing , production, composing, singing and arrangements, they don't put a foot wrong from start to finish. So, not only do you get what is arguably one of the finest albums to come out of prog-rock Britain in the last 20 years, but you also get three bonus tracks from the original “Silent dance” album, remixed by Porcupine Tree's Steven Wilson, the icing on what is already a seriously tasty cake.
Andy Garibaldi (Dead Earnest 12-13) |
Live Videos from The Craufurd 4/9/21
We're releasing live videos from our Craufurd show in the run up to our 2022 tour dates. Subscribe to our Youtube channel to catch them.
Videos from our 'open rehearsal' before setting off for the summer shows.
Read the review of our 'secret gig' that wrapped up rehearsals HERE
Rehearsals underway
We were finally able to get together for a few days in June and start preparations for gigs this summer. It the first time in a room with Jess and we even got a couple of days with singers, Johanna Stroud, Meg Knightsbridge and Olivia Armon. This was such a monumental deal for us that we decided to get some cameras in. With huge thanks to Mark Jepson and James Westlake, who created the A New Day video, for capturing what were magical sessions for us.
The Final Lockdown :)
Journalist and author, Martin Kielty talks to us about Sia and the band's history.
News
The first block of rehearsals concluded with a 'secret gig'. Read Martin Kielty's review for PROG
Prog For Peart has been rescheduled to August 13th following delay in the lifting of restrictions
New video for 'Stand Up' from the Sia album coming soon.
Solstice confirmed for HRH Prog XII 2022
The new video for the Sia version of Cheyenne
The Road To Sia now available as a podcast
New Martin Kielty interview series with the original Solstice line up.
Check out our new 'Friends Of Solstice' facebook group. Engagement has been amazing, with numerous stories and posts covering the band past and present. https://www.facebook.com/groups/friendsofsolstice
We recently had the great pleasure of recording a series of interviews with that wonderful human being, Martin Kielty. It's easy to see why he's such a respected journalist and wordsmith, Thanks Martin!!
Cool feature in PROG mag!!
The first Solstice One Hour radio session! Thank you Garry Foster and the Prog Rock Files
We have a new Facebook group "Friends Of Solstice" . Click here to join
www.facebook.com/groups/friendsofsolstice/?ref=share
www.facebook.com/groups/friendsofsolstice/?ref=share
'A New Day' goes live on youtube
Join us at 6.30pm on New Day's Day and help launch the A New Day video. Meet the band and director... have a chat :)
Meeting link here
Meeting link here
Sia now out on beautiful double album vinyl available here
In the face of a day many of us hoped would never arrive, hope to send out a little love for the New Year with this video for 'A New Day ' from Sia - https://youtu.be/fEMBiMuk218youtu.be/fEMBiMuk218
Sia now available on Spotify open.spotify.com/album/6QbAX7HNQP66heKKJdiPP2?si=2r9NE4AXTlWehj-2nMh6xw
It's November 23rd and a beautiful morning outside! Today we have the great pleasure of releasing our new album, Sia. Our love and gratitude to all those who have supported us along the way X.
https://www.gep.co.uk/store/index.php...
Here's what hugely respected rock journalist and author, Martin Kielty had to say:
...finally got time to settle down in a nice vibe and listen to the album. Fuck me, it is a masterpiece! As a wordsmith I’d start with the words “globally emotional” and “world music for the world now.”I LOVE it. I hope this isn’t an insult – I don’t think it is – but it reminds me of the “world music” that came out in the ‘80s, when we were starting to really celebrate a sense of connection, before it all went Neo-liberal… And I don’t want to over-politicise your art, but you’re making a powerful point in a strong way.
In any case, my compliments. It’s an artistic achievement, it’s a slice of all-embracing honesty that the world needs right now; and I get the feeling that you always aimed for that, and in the past sometimes you succeeded. But THIS, this is a victory.
You can HEAR the confidence and love. And we ALL need that right now.
X;M.
Sia now available on Spotify open.spotify.com/album/6QbAX7HNQP66heKKJdiPP2?si=2r9NE4AXTlWehj-2nMh6xw
It's November 23rd and a beautiful morning outside! Today we have the great pleasure of releasing our new album, Sia. Our love and gratitude to all those who have supported us along the way X.
https://www.gep.co.uk/store/index.php...
Here's what hugely respected rock journalist and author, Martin Kielty had to say:
...finally got time to settle down in a nice vibe and listen to the album. Fuck me, it is a masterpiece! As a wordsmith I’d start with the words “globally emotional” and “world music for the world now.”I LOVE it. I hope this isn’t an insult – I don’t think it is – but it reminds me of the “world music” that came out in the ‘80s, when we were starting to really celebrate a sense of connection, before it all went Neo-liberal… And I don’t want to over-politicise your art, but you’re making a powerful point in a strong way.
In any case, my compliments. It’s an artistic achievement, it’s a slice of all-embracing honesty that the world needs right now; and I get the feeling that you always aimed for that, and in the past sometimes you succeeded. But THIS, this is a victory.
You can HEAR the confidence and love. And we ALL need that right now.
X;M.
"Love Is Coming" from Sia
This little beauty arrived this morning :)
Great review in PROG magazine! Thank you Gary Mackenzie!
GEP announce pre-orders and SIA release date
We're totally vibed to announce that our new album, ‘Sia’, will be released on November 23rd in an ‘eco friendly’ 6 panel card digi-sleeve CD format. A double 12” yellow vinyl in a gatefold sleeve with lyric sheet will follow in time for that elusive christmas present We really hope you'll enjoy the new music! The CD is available now for pre-order here:
https://www.gep.co.uk/.../solstice.../solstice-sia-p-57.html
We're totally vibed to announce that our new album, ‘Sia’, will be released on November 23rd in an ‘eco friendly’ 6 panel card digi-sleeve CD format. A double 12” yellow vinyl in a gatefold sleeve with lyric sheet will follow in time for that elusive christmas present We really hope you'll enjoy the new music! The CD is available now for pre-order here:
https://www.gep.co.uk/.../solstice.../solstice-sia-p-57.html
New gig dates for 2021
May 8th - The Craufurd, Wolverton - planned to be a belated album launch
May 9th - Winter's End Festival, Chepstow
June 18th - Cambridge Rock Festival
August 21st - A New Day Festival Faversham, Kent
August 22nd - 1865 Southampton
May 8th - The Craufurd, Wolverton - planned to be a belated album launch
May 9th - Winter's End Festival, Chepstow
June 18th - Cambridge Rock Festival
August 21st - A New Day Festival Faversham, Kent
August 22nd - 1865 Southampton
Solstice sign to Giant Electric Pea -
"We are so excited to be joining the GEP family of artists. It feels like finally re-joining close friends whose long journeys began in the same place but led down different tracks. Apart from being the natural home for Solstice, GEP have an incredible team committed to bringing great music to the world's finest audience and we can't wait to work with them on the new album! So, a huge thank you to Mike Holmes and all at GEP for having faith and signing Solstice. We 're literally buzzing about this music, recorded with our amazing new vocalist Jess Holland, and truly believe fans of prog and beyond will agree it's our best work to date!"
"We are so excited to be joining the GEP family of artists. It feels like finally re-joining close friends whose long journeys began in the same place but led down different tracks. Apart from being the natural home for Solstice, GEP have an incredible team committed to bringing great music to the world's finest audience and we can't wait to work with them on the new album! So, a huge thank you to Mike Holmes and all at GEP for having faith and signing Solstice. We 're literally buzzing about this music, recorded with our amazing new vocalist Jess Holland, and truly believe fans of prog and beyond will agree it's our best work to date!"
Our site has been down for over a month but.... we're back!!!
Lots to report and updates coming very soon. In the meantime... here's the cover for the new album Sia. See you soon :) More news at
https://www.facebook.com/solsticeprog
Lots to report and updates coming very soon. In the meantime... here's the cover for the new album Sia. See you soon :) More news at
https://www.facebook.com/solsticeprog
We're trailing Sia with a video single release of Love Is Coming... here's the teaser.
We are now on Bandcamp. You can download the full Prophecy album or separate tracks. These are the original full resolution mastered files.
We will be adding all the Solstice albums in the near future.
We will be adding all the Solstice albums in the near future.
PROG mag article - Meet new singer Jess Holland
Demos for the new album are complete... here's the first three of our 'work in progress' videos from the isolation bunker.
Taking about the new Solstice singer and forthcoming album with Laurence Todd for Velvet Thunder
Unfortunately all gigs below have fallen victim to Corvid-19.
The Craufurd TBC but your tickets will be good for the reschedule or will be refunded if you can't make the new date when announced.
Winter's End is postponed for exactly one year.
Cambridge Rock Fest are looking at possible reschedule dates.
April 24th - The Craufurd, Milton Keynes
April 26th - Winter's End Festival
June 19th - Cambridge Rock Festival
The Craufurd TBC but your tickets will be good for the reschedule or will be refunded if you can't make the new date when announced.
Winter's End is postponed for exactly one year.
Cambridge Rock Fest are looking at possible reschedule dates.
April 24th - The Craufurd, Milton Keynes
April 26th - Winter's End Festival
June 19th - Cambridge Rock Festival
PROPHECY .. the Solstice album on Esoteric Antenna featuring three new mixes from Steven Wilson
"arguably one of the finest albums to come out of prog-rock Britain
in the last 20 years"
"The superb new album"" PROG
"arguably one of the finest albums to come out of prog-rock Britain
in the last 20 years"
"The superb new album"" PROG
THE RETURN OF A LEGEND….. when it comes to psychedelic music, and with guitarist, backing vocalist and main man Andy Glass still at the helm, the only original member, it is a stunning album. Read more
KEEPERS OF THE TRUTH…..More than 30 years after the band's formation, Solstice has created what is in my opinion their best album to date. Read More
KEEPERS OF THE TRUTH…..More than 30 years after the band's formation, Solstice has created what is in my opinion their best album to date. Read More
DPRP PROPHECY REVIEW... 2010 marked a resurgence of activity for Solstice with the release of Spirit, their first studio album in 13 years. Since then they've released 2011's live CD/DVD set Kindred Spirits and now a brand studio album, Prophecy. Read More
GREG SPAWTON - BIG BIG TRAIN "A suite of 5 excellent new songs"
Read more
GREG SPAWTON - BIG BIG TRAIN "A suite of 5 excellent new songs"
Read more
Albums That Saved Prog - Silent Dance
Prog Mag feature Silent Dance as an 'Album That Saved Prog' in issue 49. Rich Wilson's entertaining 4 page spread is well worth a gander, covering the ups and downs along with plenty of images from the recording sessions.
Beauty Of Time
Pete Hemsley's beautiful debut solo album, Beauty Of Time produced by Andy Glass, is out now on CD, Vinyl and online. PeterHemsley.com
It features Pete's sublime Hang playing and contributions from some amazing musicians
Stream on Spotify
It features Pete's sublime Hang playing and contributions from some amazing musicians
Stream on Spotify
