Back catalogue: Progressive Rock

Review: Seattle, so much to answer for. The capital of the Pacific Northwest has had a difficult history in terms of its cultural capital, from a thriving pre-war jazz scene to regulatory changes that drove out many clubs and turned music into a sideshow for restaurants, to the beginnings of punk which then led to the explosion of grunge, if one thing is for sure, you should always listen keenly to what's coming out of the city. La Paire D'Or are a case in point. Here with their debut "waxing", as the Hex Enduction label put it, it's very difficult to figure out how to describe or even label what's here beyond "trippier than most". Steeped in psychedelia, owing as much to synths and gritty garage guitars, at times their tracks are thick, sludgy, perhaps even growly, in other moments they seem to be floating off on a bed of helium, destination unknown.

Review: Blu Ray Audio.

Over the past half century, Tony Levin has been a prolific session player and one of the most active live performers on the planet. He's contributed his talents to over five hundred albums amongst which include 15 with Peter Gabriel and 18 with King Crimson (counting live, studio, and compilations). Alongside contributions to the work of John Lennon, Alice Cooper, Lou Reed, Herbie Mann, Paul Simon and many others. On tour, he's travelled The World many times over with the aforementioned King Crimson, Peter Gabriel, and several of his own bands including Stick Men. This Fall, he'll stage 65 performances in North America as a member of BEAT, celebrating King Crimson's 80's repertoire alongside Adrian Belew, Steve Vai and Danny Carey interpreting Discipline, Beat and Three of a Perfect Pair."

Levin's seventh solo album, and his first since 2007, is an autobiography of sorts, with the themes drawn from Levin's musical life. It features a myriad of collaborators from his half-century-plus on the road and in the studio with Peter Gabriel, King Crimson and many, many others.

"It could have been done a long time ago, frankly," Levin says, of Bringing It Down to the Bass, "but it's because of a problem I have, which is a very good problem to have. And that's that I have a lot of touring and that's what I love to do, playing live. It just didn't give me much time at home to work on finishing the album that I've been working on for five or six years."

"I had pieces very much in the prog-rock vein and I had pieces that were based on the bass," Levin says, "and somewhere around the middle of the record I made the difficult decision to toss the prog stuff - well, not toss it exactly, save it for another album - and the more I focused, I chose the kind of pieces that had to me a sense of unity to it in that it's about the bass. Not songs with singing about the bass, but each song is either based on a bass riff or a bass technique that I then invited some great rhythm sections to play on.

Region code: 0 (universal)

Review: Alex Lifeson is bringing his solo album Victor back into the spotlight. Originally released on January 9, 1996, this album represents Lifeson's only solo endeavor, where he took charge of the songwriting, production, and mixing. Making its debut on vinyl, the reissue of Victor features the original tracks completely remixed by Lifeson himself, providing significantly enhanced sound quality for this special release. The fourth side of the album includes four instrumental tracks, adding an exclusive touch to the reissue. The album also boasts notable guest appearances, including Edwin, the lead vocalist of I Mother Earth, and Les Claypool from Primus. Lifeson's personal touch in remixing the album ensures a fresh listening experience. This vinyl debut not only revisits Lifeson's unique solo journey but also offers a richer, deeper auditory experience.

Review: Lotus's debut album, Synthbuljong, released on El Paraiso Records, is a stunning trip through the realms of free jazz and psychedelic rock. Led by percussionist Olaf Olsen (Fra Det Onde, Needlepoint), the bandifeaturing electric bassist Chris Holm, Danish alto saxophonist Signe Emmeluth, and electric guitarist Karl Bjoraidelivers a genre-defying experience. The album is a sonic adventure, blending elements of Coltrane-inspired intensity with Sonic Youth's raw energy. The opener sets a high bar with its dynamic improvisation, while the serene 'Ballade' provides a reflective contrast. The seventeen-minute 'Synthgitar' has the band's intricate interplay and boundary-pushing creativity on full display. Recorded partly during a live performance in Bergen, Synthbuljong is full of vibrant energy that shows Lotus's performances, fusing their diverse backgrounds into an amazing experience. This release offers a lush, organic sound that is sure to impress to those who listen.