Articles by Gary McKenzie

Articles by: Gary McKenzie

“Rather than surrender to despondency, it builds into an exultant declaration… Darkness and bleakness still lurks – but the album offers light and hope”: IQ’s Dominion

By Gary McKenzie published 12 April 25

With masterful vocal performances backed up by a huge range of sounds, IQ’s Dominion is worth the six-year wait

Solstice - Return to Cropredy video edition

“Never less than joyously entertaining and utterly committed… a warm-hearted tale of the power of music and community”: Solstice’s Return To Cropredy video edition

By Gary McKenzie published 30 November 24

Glorious visual celebration of the neo-prog survivors in the present, accompanied by New Light, a fascinating documentary of their past

“Not a revolutionary narrative framework, perhaps… but a Frost* double concept album – who could possibly quibble?” There’s plenty that’s unpredictable about Life In The Wires

By Gary McKenzie published 18 October 24

Keyboard and guitar solos are back in abundance as Jem Godfrey and his ‘classic’ line-up mixes the best atrributes of their previous four albums into something quite marvellous

“Occasionally downbeat and introspective – but there’s also an excitement that’s genuinely uplifting”: Stuckfish’s IV is another winner

By Gary McKenzie published 20 September 24

New keyboardist and new label gives the British melodic proggers the perfect platform to deliver on expectations

“Steeped in 60s folk and psychedelia, exponents of Latin American, African and Indian elements – rare for European prog artists”: Jade Warrior’s Borne On The Solar Wind – The Vertigo Albums

By Gary McKenzie published 12 July 24

“Rare elements for European prog”: Jade Warrior’s Borne On The Solar Wind 3-album set

“A comprehensive celebration of a band central to the rebirth of prog… impressively extensive”: Pallas’ Eyes In The Night – The Recordings 1981-1986

By Gary McKenzie published 3 July 24

Must-have seven-disc set documents the Scottish neo-proggers’ struggle for survival and excellence

“After almost 50 years, Hans Lundin is to be applauded for continuing to produce such rewarding music”: Kaipa’s Sommargryningsljus

By Gary McKenzie published 28 June 24

Sole remaining founding member provides “summer dawn light” featuring entrancing vocals and an awe-inspiring line-up

“A lot of it is first takes and demos. Because of what had happened to Neil we didn’t want to re-record – the songs felt too precious”: Rush fans had to wait 11 years for Vapor Trails to become the album it deserved to be

By Philip Wilding published 14 May 24

After tragedy shattered drummer Neil Peart’s life, many were just glad to have their 17th studio album in 2002. But it left almost everyone disappointed at the time