Prog Magazine - Issue 141

In this issue

Francis Monkman - Former bandmates pay tribute to the Curved Air, 801 and Sky man who sadly died in May.

Lars Fredrik Frøislie - It’s a real case of DIY as the Wobbler mainman takes his solo debut.

GALEN AYERS & PAUL SIMONON

The unlikely duo discuss art as inspiration, tapping into the creative spirit of Mallorca and the forthcoming Kevin Ayers' reissues.

4 mins

IN MEMORY OF FRANCIS MONKMAN

Despite a long career, classical musician-turned-founder member of Curved Air, Francis Monkman preferred to avoid the spotlight and allow his playing to take centre-stage instead. A key member of Sky and the supergroup 801, his recent death from cancer at the age of 73 has left behind a remarkable musical legacy that combines his passions for all things progressive and classical. We pay tribute to the pioneering instrumentalist.

6 mins

The Men For All Seasons

In September 1989, Marillion unveiled their new album, Seasons End, and new vocalist, Steve 'H' Hogarth. As one chapter ended, a new one opened and with it came new challenges and experiences. To coincide with the release of a deluxe edition, the band revisit the making of the record that helped steer their career in a new direction and prove there really was life after Fish.

10+ mins

The Basement Tapes

Lars Fredrik Frøislie fought off the blues by giving his imagination free rein: he dreamed of the last battle of the Norse gods, a place in the sun, cosmic omens, and the stark beauty of a Norwegian winter. Now Wobbler's mastermind talks to Prog about singing in his native tongue and staying sane with his solo album, Fire Fortellinger.

5 mins

Day Of The Dreamer

On their 1978 album, A Song For All Seasons, Renaissance ditched the big concepts and teamed up with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to give their symphonic sound a bolder and brighter edge. The stunning results yielded their only UK Top 10 single, Northern Lights, which takes centre stage on a new vinyl reissue. Vocalist Annie Haslam revisits the audition, stage invasions and Top Of The Pops appearances that led to the album becoming one of their best-loved releases.

7 mins

Wired For Sound

A lot has changed since North Atlantic Oscillation released their last album, the well-stocked Grind Show, in 2018. After a strange five years it feels somewhat reassuring to see the return of the electronic post-prog outfit, and it's now effectively a one-man band as Sam Healy leads the way. Prog catches up with the musician to find out more.

7 mins

Universal Numbers

After the stop-start of the last three years, Lazuli have quietly unveiled their 11th studio album, simply called 11. Vocalist, instrumentalist and composer Dominique Leonetti reveals why the French group are buzzing about their new release but choosing to remain fiercely independent, and how it felt to finally play on the same stage as their musical heroes.

5 mins

Argus Panoptes

Wishbone Ash never set out to create a progressive concept album, but things took an unexpected twist on their third record, Argus. Fifty-one years on, it's been reissued and expanded into a handsome seven-disc multi-format box set. Prog sat down with Martin Turner and Andy Powell to explore the record's genesis and legacy, taking in everything from stolen swords and nascent romances to trance-writing and twin guitars.

7 mins

THE SEVEN-YEAR ITCH

After a seven-year absence, Seven Impale are back with their third album, the Enslavedapproved Summit. But, despite their name, a delay of that length certainly wasn't intentional. The Norwegian sextet bring Prog up to date on their current four-track, which embraces the myths of Ancient Greece and uses them as a metaphor for the trials of modern society.

5 mins

All Tomorrow's Parties

A familiar name in the Canterbury scene, Dave Stewart's career reached unexpected highs in the 1980s when he teamed up with Spirogyra's Barbara Gaskin for an unlikely pop cover. Forty years on, the pair are still making \"intelligent pop\" with a ninth studio album on the way. Now preparing to play a very special one-off show in London this summer, Dave Stewart & Barbara Gaskin tell Prog about the unexpected spark that's led to their longstanding musical, and romantic, relationship.

7 mins

SELF-MADE MEN

On their new, independently released album, guitarist Misha Mansoor talks of taking Periphery back to the band they always wanted it to be. No longer bending to the pressures of suits or the public, and more comfortable now in their own skin than ever before, this is the story of how Periphery V: Djent Is Not A Genre finds the US group at their defiant best.

5 mins

The Yes Men

The Parallax Method say they aren't seasoned musicians when it comes to theory. Instead, they're full of happy accidents that inspire their free-flowing instrumental explorations on, Folie À Trois. This is the story of The Parallax Method embracing the good, the bad and the ugly for the better of their music, resulting in a head-turning debut album.

4 mins

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Prog Magazine Description:

Prog is an international magazine devoted to progressive music in all its guises. From the classic pioneers of the 70s through the 80s Marillion-helmed revival, to the impact of the likes of Radiohead and Muse in the 90s and today’s vibrant and ever-developing scene spearheaded by the likes of Steven Wilson, Opeth and Anathema. With our strong network of contacts the magazine gets behind the big stories of yesteryear and brings you the best coverage of what’s happening today with exclusive and informative interviews. The website brings you all the latest news from the world of prog. Astounding sounds from amazing, intelligent and thought-provoking music.