Doug Melbourne- Lost And Found - Progressive Voyages Review
Lost and found is Doug Melbourne's first real solo album apart from a couple of albums with fellow ReGenesis member Tony Patterson . He has largely been un-recorded which is a pity as Doug is a more than competent musician in his own right, As this album clearlly testifies over the course of its 12 tracks. Beginning with the short yet stately opener Overture which features some excellent Synh work and sounds that create a strong impression along with the more traditionally progressive ““The Arrival” which has some gorgeous synthesiser lines and sections, it is a very atmospheric opening salvo of tracks
The album is not afraid to take a left turn into different styles of music such as in Baby's Back which mixes whimsy and organ sounds in a sultry smoking blues.
Valar is apparently a reference to Tolkein’ Silmarrillion (part of the Lord Of The Rings stories) and here you get a sense of that in its sounds, this is followed by Interval which acts as a musical bridge between this track Interval is a more Progressive influenced piece of music with strong chordal progressions and a fine piano motif and a strong synthesiser line that embellishes priceedingsit works well as a break iunbetween the former Valar and the following You which is composed and sung by Carrie Melbourne. The song is about bravery and being seen in a relationship and not being merely relegated to à footnote. It is also about loving someone for who they are and acknowledging and giving value in that scenario, it is an emotional but affirming song.
Five Minute Romance is an amusing song about a man who sees a girl in a Bar and whilst he fails to nake any connection with her before she departs leaving him alone and wondering what if? The song is elevated by a wonderfully lyrical guitar solo from The Room's Steve Anderson. A most enjoyable track in every way.
The Departure follows This is the longest of all the instrumental pieces and the one with the most progressive Tendencies, this song has classical elements as well as progressive rock music stylings it is a fairly gentle track with lits happening throughout, it has a great sound and mixture if stylings and sounds but it is mostly stately and understated allowing music room to breathe which benefits it greatly, the piano melody is excellent and strong, However it is when it yields to a solo synthesiser line that it realky shines as takes flight the length gives the track flight and wings it is simply remarkable in how it sounds a real classic here.
This is followed by Lost and Found the albums title track
This muses on the inevitably of one's demise but it is handled in a very sensitive and sympathetic manner. The lyrics are very good here very evocative and personal.
Arabella is next this is voiced by Carrie Melbourne once again, the song is seemingly about Lady Arabellaxzstyart who was a famous wild child in the 16th century she was considered as a successor to Elizabeth 1st but various political machinations found her being passed over in favour of James 4th of Scotland whom imprisoned Arabela and her husband in the tower where she died aged 39
Empires is next this is the most political song of the album, doug has strong political views he is very Anti Brexit which he viewed as a disaster that was manipulated by certain parties for their own benefit. And also to endorse the farvright parties that are such a menace to Britain now. The song is a rem8ndè that we are all the same so why do we have all the divisions and hatred. When the world belongs to everyone.
Zfinal song is Baby To Sleep where doug gets to play fine 1930's type skiffle and piano, a fine conclusion to what is a most enjoyable and musically satisfying experience
Info here: https:// dougmelbourne.bandcamp.com
Author John Wenlock-Smith Friday 9th October 2026..