Sonic Tapestry - Into The Sun progressive Voyages Review PV022
Sonic Tapestry – Into The Sun- Progressive Voyages Review PV0022
Quite how I managed to allow this splendid album pass me by on it’s release in 2024 astounds me. They are a local band to me as they hail from Cheshire (God’s second favourite county after Yorkshire! My wife comes from Yorkshire).
So why have I not investigated their superior blend of Progressive Rock previously? As they have existed since 2009 they were formed from various covers and tribute bands when they decided they wanted to play their own music rather than someone else’s, I would categorise their music as Neo Prog, in their music you can hear Elements of many Prog bands like Rush, Yes, Camel, Jethro Tull and latter day bands like Marillion, I.Q. along with modern day bands like Porcupine Tree, Riverside and even Dream Theater as they do have a Progressive Metal sound at certain points.
Into The Sun is their second album after 2017’s Aftermath. I have to say it is a most impressive one it is too, the albums theme is about a man who isn’t coping well with the stresses and strains of modern life and so retreats from modern life and instead seeks comfort in music that soothes and comforts him, it is quite a journey of discovery that he is making. As indeed is this album.
The album begins with Aurora Awakens, which is an instrumental opening track with a symphonic synth wash and lots of keyboards and background chatter in the mix, a simple synth melody emerges and sets a plaintive tone before leading into New Beginning, which has a sequencer opening sound and acoustic guitar strumming from Giles Ashley then latterly a harsher more metallic electric guitar riff firing off, after this the vocal from Steve Forster, who had a strong voice. Giles’s guitar is exciting and colourful in tone, he plays extremely fluidly in this track, and his riffs are strong. The keyboards of Sean Byrne are also very satisfying, the guitar solo in this track reminds me of Ritchie Blackmore’s Rainbow output and Sean’s keyboards remind me of Tony Carey on the “Rising” album an unexpected touch is the fine flute playing of Steve Forster as it adds a jaunty touch to proceedings. This long track moves through several different sections that combine together to make a really fine song.
The album continues with System Failure which begins with a strong rhythm guitar and upfront bass, this is another harder sounding track with a funky backbeat to drive it forward it has a powerful sound especially in the middle section until the lighter Synthesiser solo occurs followed by a blazing guitar solo from Giles Ashley whose playing throughout is very impressive indeed.
This is followed by a shorter instrumental track entitled Edge Of The Forest an instrumental that starts with acoustic guitar and then after with lively bass lines and solid drums, then a fluid electric guitar line is added very Dire Straits like at times the solo that emerges from it is equally as lyrically played and is very fine indeed, it is also of an extended length that takes it to the closing moments of the track, a really good instrumental track
Fight Or Flight follows and this is another strong track with a great guitar melody the song is fairly quick and it is an effective one with a great solo from Giles and keyboards from Sean that really take this song to another level. The second blast of guitar really works well for this track as does the excellent drums of John Byrne this track really does make a strong impression as you listen to it.
Equinox follows and is another strong instrumental track, beginning with acoustic guitar and flute and a graceful piano motif, after which a steady bass from Steve Forster is introduced to the mix, but doesn’t overshadow it, it does add to the track’s strength though. The acoustic part returns as does a tremolo effect guitar line, I do like this different effect when used as sensitively as it is here. This is for me the best of the instrumental pieces on the album I really enjoyed how all the instruments have a voice in this track.
Out Of The Blue is next, this opens with more guitar effects played over a synth wash soundscape, but with added power chords and good rhythm playing, This is a very upbeat song with a great chorus and some excellent playing from everyone this song really hits the mark it has everything, a strong vocal, great guitar and a strong Rhythm section ploughing away.
This is followed by the album’s title track Into The Sun, which kicks off with some fiery hammond organ, bass and guitar interactions, the bass is very prominent here as are the strong guitar riffs before the vocals begin. The song is melodic with a good rock edge, it also has good progressive elements and touches, after the first chorus we have some great instrumental interactions, the middle section is also really interesting. it starts with some gentle acoustic guitar and then some interesting drums patterns and then a good guitar line and then moves into a tidy solo. Then something unexpected happens as we enter an almost medieval sounding section with guitar and keyboards which are then joined by a flute this sounds really different and highly effective indeed its like a Jethro Tull/Gryphon hybrid. Really unusual and completely different to what you expect to hear. After this we do get a guitar solo that returns the song to more normal sounds. What an unusual few minutes. What imagination has been shown within this section, It’s utterly brilliant what an excellent and unusual song.
After this we move on to Equilibrium which closes the album in style sounding like an 80’s version of Rush with great bass lines and expansive guitar tones and sounds the album ends on a series of effects and synth sounds.
This is a remarkable album and one that I heartily recommend.
Info here: Into the Sun | Sonic Tapestry https://share.google/23eztnZw0ZCuhG7y4