My prog bestie LAZLAND did a lovely write up recently on this quintessential British multi-instrumentalist’s latest release, so it behooved me to follow up with a second onslaught of well-deserved acclaim. For those rock music lovers who are not from England, there is a common appreciation for a certain British sound, a hard to describe trait that is very rarely duplicated by either Americans or Canadians for that matter, a unique musicality that surely has a strong sonority attached to the verdant hills of Albion, a historical land-centric tradition that makes their music instantly recognizable. Of course, many other countries have their own distinctive sound, but there is something very British about British prog music and we are all extremely lucky that it has such a bountiful catalogue to choose from. Take for example Anthony Phillips’classic “The Geese and the Ghost” or Mike Oldfield’s “Ommadawn” among many others . Well, these characteristics are present in Brendan Perkins’ work, an individual, highly original and extremely musical form of storytelling that hits a certain soft spot within a listener’s psyche, promoting adventure and entertainment of the highest caliber, eschewing the cosmopolitan hustle and bustle of the big city and relying on the more tranquil and rustic countryside sense and sensabilities.

The serpentine sparkle of Brendan’s effect-laden electric guitar carves the theme on “Skylarks” , a vocal that hints slightly at Guy Manning if one looks for comparisons, suavely harmonized with a female voice (Helen Flunder), serene orchestral keyboards adding the obligatory greyish clouds to the blue heavens, much like what you see in the cover art. A huge mellotron swell beckons the arrival of the darkening evening.

One of the shiniest aspects of the human condition is friendship, the unconditional and reciprocal trust in another person with whom there is never any judgment, criticism or undue duress of any kind. A rare commodity indeed, and one to treasure above all else. “A Song for Friends” perfectly expresses this sublime sentiment with an elegant yet simple guitar declaration, lyrics that glorify the unique bond, a dab of ornate piano to signify peaceful intent and a bass guitar-led buildup to a rousing alliance of sound and emotion that soars into the skies above. Beautiful construct and heartwarming delivery. The celestial choir work elevates the magnificent melody even further, a scintillating prog anthem of the finest vintage.

“Petrichor’s Dance” . Always loved that word Petrichor: the earthy scent produced when rain lands dry soil. Like the fresh aroma of ozone after a thunderstorm. Needless to state, the piece has some symphonic attributes, dependant on vibrant orchestrations that rekindle cinematographic images of a verdant romp in the countryside. The sweltering synths dance like overjoyed snakes sliding on the wet grass, while the electric guitar pursues the theme even further down the dale, as it has from the outset.

That bucolic feel is evident in the next few tracks, with a melancholic “Lucy’s Lane” , clanging acoustic guitar and a traditional piano-led arrangement with snippets of orchestration, a nod to the previously mentioned Ant Phillips as inspiration. This track is a fond recollection of a slowly disappearing pastoral universe, the crying lead guitar lamenting the creeping invasion of ‘progress’. Just beautiful.

With a title like “Chinley Churn” , it can only mean that the chirping birds, the gentle wind caressing the branches, and the mellow pace has flung us into a calming space in the fields of Albion. This 8 minute+ instrumental arrangement blooms gloriously when the talkative bass musters up the courage to lead the way, guiding the lush keyboards, the obedient drums and the radiant guitar into a variety of scenic sonorities that massage the imagination towards endless pleasure. As perfect a prog instrumental that one could hope for in 2024.

When traveling, I find myself always drawn to these up-the-mountain on rails cable cars and I have enjoyed them in many a European country. “The Funicular” is a shortcut means of getting from one place to another with little fatigue. The effortless vocal delivery, the smooth sonics and the wondrous sense of relaxed adventure are all meshed together in a heartfelt prog ballad, crowned by a glimmering guitar foray, taking this number as well as the previous ones, into a very happy and comforting inner space, a place far removed from the daily routine of negativity and lies.
Looking very much forward to more from this gifted musician. In the same style, please and thank you.

4.5 Shangri-Las