Prophecy
Released October 2013 Available from Bandcamp
Way back in the early days of Solstice, a cornerstone of the live set was the multi-part epic, ‘Journey’ (later recorded on New Life). In some ways, the Prophecy album can be seen as its successor: five distinct tracks which, nonetheless, link together into a seamless narrative. Taking its theme from the Cree prophecy of the Rainbow Warrior, the album addresses contemporary issues through the lens of hope that has always set the band apart from the majority of their more pessimistic contemporaries. It is a story of man-made ecological disaster, but of ultimate redemption.
Musically, whilst instantly recognisable as Solstice and, as always, expressing the vision of Andy Glass, it is the most integrated band album to date, reflecting the stability of line-up over recent years. Steven McDaniel’s keyboards, in particular, occupy a much more prominent place in the melodic structure, whilst Robin Phillips’ bass and Pete Hemsley’s drums lock together perfectly throughout the rhythmical complexities. Even the vocals are shared out more, with Andy and Steven adding harmonies to Emma Brown’s captivating singing.
From the mellow textures of ‘Eyes of Fire’ to the Yes-like chaos of ‘Warriors’ and all the colours and textures in between – often within the same track – the album is a triumphant achievement in terms of both conception and execution.
If all this isn’t enough – and, believe me, it is – there is the added bonus of three Silent Dance tracks that have been given the Steven Wilson remix treatment. The 8-track source material has inevitable limitations, but the man who has recently done such an excellent job on items from the Hawkwind and Jethro Tull back catalogues has managed to work magic, presenting the strongest, clearest versions of the tracks to date.
Oz Hardwick
See how Barry Kitson's imagery for Prophecy developed here
Tracks:
Eyes Of Fire
Keepers Of The Truth
Warriors
West Wind
Black Water
Steven Wilson Remixes:
Find Yourself
Return Of Spring
Earthsong
Musically, whilst instantly recognisable as Solstice and, as always, expressing the vision of Andy Glass, it is the most integrated band album to date, reflecting the stability of line-up over recent years. Steven McDaniel’s keyboards, in particular, occupy a much more prominent place in the melodic structure, whilst Robin Phillips’ bass and Pete Hemsley’s drums lock together perfectly throughout the rhythmical complexities. Even the vocals are shared out more, with Andy and Steven adding harmonies to Emma Brown’s captivating singing.
From the mellow textures of ‘Eyes of Fire’ to the Yes-like chaos of ‘Warriors’ and all the colours and textures in between – often within the same track – the album is a triumphant achievement in terms of both conception and execution.
If all this isn’t enough – and, believe me, it is – there is the added bonus of three Silent Dance tracks that have been given the Steven Wilson remix treatment. The 8-track source material has inevitable limitations, but the man who has recently done such an excellent job on items from the Hawkwind and Jethro Tull back catalogues has managed to work magic, presenting the strongest, clearest versions of the tracks to date.
Oz Hardwick
See how Barry Kitson's imagery for Prophecy developed here
Tracks:
Eyes Of Fire
Keepers Of The Truth
Warriors
West Wind
Black Water
Steven Wilson Remixes:
Find Yourself
Return Of Spring
Earthsong
