THE LAST GREAT ADVENTURER

The arrival of a new Galahad album, especially after such a long hiatus, is always the most welcome news in a world where doom and gloom still dominates the airwaves, musical or otherwise. Thankfully, the duo of Dean Baker on keyboards and fabulous vocalist Stu Nicholson did soften the pain by releasing two Galahad Electric Company albums during the "bunker lifestyle" and both were quite enjoyable indeed. But when the full band coalesces into that incredibly spirited team, its always a source of unfettered jubilation. Together with the afore mentioned stalwarts, as well as long-time solid drummer Spencer Luckman, the crew is rounded out by Lee Abraham, a guitarist extraordinaire who continues to cement his place with the usual poise, and now adding new bassist Mark Spencer, who fits in like a glove (he is an experienced lad).

So, what has five long years of patience earned us? Perhaps their finest yet, not an easy task after such memorable flurry, pretty much from Sleepers on, with that colossal upwards leap with the mighty Empires Never Last (an album that seems to be sadly quite current in Eastern Europe, eh, Vlad?), the sizzling Beyond the Realms of Utopia, the gritty Battle Scars, the celestial Sea of Change, and the stately Quiet Storms. This adventurous band has made some truly memorable music over the years. Stu Nicholson has an instantly recognisable voice, unusually velvety at times and occasionally raging virulence, yet always in control. He is quite the showman as well, as witnessed by the Galahad Live in Poland -Resonance video concert, which I treasure to this day as one of the finest shows on DVD! Also of note, one must mention Dean Baker's injection of clever electronics into his keyboard mix, giving their classic progressive rock style a much-needed modernization and sonic polish. I also possess all of Lee Abraham's solo albums, and his 2019 release Comatose remains solidly ensconced on my all-time list! His fretwork here is absolutely first-rate, sprinkling flashy riffs, sinuous leads, and persuasive solos galore.

The vigorous opener "Alive" offers a hymn to the awakening reality that we may be finally emerging from our personal bunkers and that "a new day is dawning", a lusty renewal full of pomp and circumstance, as Luckman bashes away contentedly on his kit. A stunning mid-section offers Abraham's acoustic guitar in coalescence with Baker's ornate piano, while Stu shudders with heartfelt emotion, before returning to the thunderous main melody, capped off by a slippery serpentine synth solo. The electric axe rampage only serves to heighten the glory of our long-awaited deliverance from despair.

Galahad has a proven track record of being able to balance their overt power tracks with some velvet shimmer as expressed by the atmospheric epic 10 minute "Omega Lights", as it slithers into the system. Baker's suave piano and celestial synths establish a riverbed of mood and expression, graceful and tranquil, not in the least concerned by pace. Slowly the bass drops in and the guitar guides the parade on the road to the main melody and chorus. Stu exudes undeniable confidence in his voice as the piece evolves organically into a memorable refrain. Change of pace as the howling mellotron choir and gritty guitar work in unison with the muscular rhythmic pulse, climbing over to horizon to an awaiting Abraham outburst, a luscious build-up that remains restrained, so as to give the chorus an elevated platform to sink into our soul. It will get a reprise later in the set-list, just like with "Alive".

Time for some more sporting adventure, as the crew deviate into the unforgiving Saharan desert, with suitable Arabic voice wailings and staunch guitar sirocco riffs to keep the sonic caravansary on the proper path through the shifting dunes. The swirling, twirling dervish axe pyrotechnics are rippling and unwavering, as the mordant arrangement holds no restraint. The keys remain supreme as well, a wonderful trip, that was "Blood, Skin & Bone".

The harrowing urgency is tempered by a deliberately contemplative "Enclosure 1764", where modern electronic keyboards are used to great effect, sending the listening audience into a more ethereal zone. This little gem is quite mind-blowing in its purity and is a standout piece that should not go unnoticed The title track is Stu's warm and personal tribute to his father, surely one of the most impressive tracks here, as it truly defines the characteristics of this fine band, encompassing robust melodies, clever instrumental expertise without trying to be overtly complicated and Stu Nicholson's convincing lyrics and vocal disposition. The arrangement is, like the title suggests, an adventure into the exploration of the human capacity to push the boundaries beyond the norm and courageously dare to go where few would dare. The unexpected jazzy e-piano section is a sheer delight, as the accompanying compressed guitar swish has a slight Steely Dan feel, before raising the bar into their usual powerful delivery. Abraham soars over the alpine crests as if he wanted to conquer the Eiger himself (a Swiss alp known for its treachery). Lovely indeed. The quirky waltz of "Normality of Distance" is an ode to love and shows a different vocal side, one of emotional intricacy and tonal simplicity, as if some kind of prog operetta that strangely feels very familiar and accessible. Stu has a remarkable quality in his style, in that every word he croons is clearly understood, a feat often unmatched in the prog world (Peter Nichols would fit that bill as well). He articulates with the very best microphone acrobats! A lustrous little gem, showing off their diversity in song selection and stylistics. Kudos.

And then, we arrive, breathless, to the highest mountain top: "Another Life Not Lived" is a poignant track, written quite a while ago, reflecting on the passing of Galahad's much loved bassist Neil Pepper, and this magnificent track is an unequivocal tribute to a life cut short way too soon. It is apparent the band has struggled with this tragedy for quite a while and purposefully took their time in crafting and polishing this amazing homage to a fallen comrade. I daresay this might be a crowning achievement for the Galahad lads as this is an outright classic prog piece. It defies description here; so I won't even dare, you just need to hear it for yourself. Deepest respect. "You will never fade away". Gulp!

Can't really continue after this tear-jerking moment, so it was wise to add two bonus tracks, both radio edits of "Alive" and "Omega Lights", in a more concise, earnest format, half the size of the original compositions. Galahad steadfastly continues its forward voyage, true to itself and its inner flame, a talented band that has not ever disappointed this reader as I have been a devout fan since discovering the Sleepers album and its acoustic offshoot Galahad Acoustic Quartet back in 1994. Stu Nicholson has one of the finest voices in prog, in any subcategory, and only getting better with the passing 29 years. This album is a candidate for album of the year, in extremely good company, may I add.

5 conquering alpinists