Parallel lives - Hats Off Gentleman It’s Adequate- Progressive Voyages Review
This new album sees its release on the 4th of September .I have been fortunate enough to have heard it several months ahead of its release. For which I am very grateful, that these fine chaps trust me enough to be able to review it is a real privilege, This unbelievably is their ninth album release, Malcolm Galloway also has several solo album of minimalist classical music ones as well.
What is different here though is the absence of a theme, where the uncertainty Principle and The confidence Trick looked at distinct issues this album if it has a theme it is that of coping with adversity and Mental Health.A lot of it is because of a recent medical Diagnosis Malcolm received about his failing sight due to neurodigenarative Retinal Disease.
The album contains 11 tracks being a mixture of songs and instrumental pieces, Performed in the main by Malcolm Galloway on Guitars vocals and keyboards, Mark Gatland Bass Guitar, Guitars and vocals, Kathryn Thomas Flute, Bass Flute and Picclo and backing vocals .
The song range in length from 3 to Nine minutes in length, As usual the music is multi faceted and embraces many styyles and sounds , let dive in and see what its is all about shall we,
The opening track is My Blistering Mind which is about someone who is dealing with Mental Health Issues,This has a strong descending guitar riff that works in contrast to Mark's busy bubbling bassline, also effective here is the instrumental deconstruct part that works as a link to the verses, I especially like the counter harmony vocal that repeats constantly its an effective counterpoint to the main chorus, a winning track to these ears,
Next track is The Mandatory Prize this is hinged on a muscular bass riff, it is influenced by a short Philip K Dick novella The Exit Door Leads In in, Which is about an unnamed person who wins a prize in a contest he didn't enter, However he is told he has won, It also could allude to folks who feel they have to present a version of themselves to others, A version they did want to be buvfeel they have to do so to conform to societies norms.
Next track is an instrumental entitled Never Really Felt Like Home, this features Kathryn's flue and bass flute along with with some tasteful guitar lines from Malcolm in the latter section of the track.
Smile Smile Smile follows this is another song inspired by the Philip K Dick novel Flow My Tears The Policeman said.
The story is that of someone who was famous but loses his fame and highly visible profile so that he returns to being normal in a policep sltate and all the privileges he enjoyed are removed leaving him at the mercy of the state, This Could also apply to someone when their social mask slips leaving them exposed and vulnerable, the song it quite intense with a strong bass throughout.
After this we have a short instrumental , Intermission which is a good piano and bass excursion, great to hear Mark’s busy bass here, especially when the organ part comes in to play creating a solid platform for Mark to play off, a really great short track.
Title track Parallel Lives is next this is a very deep and somewhat dark song, it also marks the appearance of Malcolm's wife Kathryn Thomas who adds a female vocal part to the track The song is about how couples can drift apart not intentionally but rather because of how Lives get busy and tend not to be looking out for each other any more, a pignant and sad song by any measure.
Eversion is next this is based on writings from Alistair Reynolds and concerns itself with the story of a surgeon who is destined to reincarnate in different ages, the song explores issues of Masking and Identity,
Pretty Blue Fox is next, another instrumental piece based on another Philip K Dick book, The Game Players Of Titan, this is full of sequenced keyboards and synths and Mark's strong muscular bass, What it does lack IMHO though is an epic guitar solo that I think the track is really calling out for, Sadly not to be but still a fine track by any standard.
Just Another Thing is next , This is in part inspired or at least influenced by Malcolm's recent diagnosis of Retinal issues which are affecting his sight very dramatically, whilst on the surface it all seems OK but behind it all lies this new uncertainty and challenges that have to be faced and adapted to, I feel Malcolm is being very brave in how he is addressing and handling his health issues, Sadly at present there is no cure available, Whether medical science will progress enough to assist before he loses his vision completely is very much an open book, let's hope it steps up enough to help him in this degenerative situation.
Dropping The Mask is next and is the albums Penultimate track this is another muscular work out with the sound of metal being struck in its opening part, very impressive keyboards and synths here alongside Mark's bass lines the sound is bolstered by a fine guitar solo from Malncolms fingers, Playing an epic sounding solo, very impressive track.
The final track is Just Hold On (It's 1 &2) This song is possibly an antidote to the more downbeat nature of the earlier tracks, This song is a very upbeat and positive one, after a 150 seconds of soundscapes the song gets a shift in its sounds with a lengthy guitar break which leads us upto the vocal section, zthe song is an encouragement to all who find life difficult for whatever reason, This song is to encourage these folks to Just Hold On, It’s Not Too Late To Keep On, To Hold On, You're Not Alone. It's a great ending. For what is a very different sort of album for Hats Off Gentleman It's Adequate.
Well I must say I've really enjoyed the album especially My Splintering Mind and Just Hold On and all the instrumental tracks too Definitely worthy of your time and attention.
Info here: https://hatsoffgentlemen.bandcamp.com
Author John Wenlock-Smith Monday 20th July 2026.