CLANN

I am convinced that if someone had approached Andy Glass a while back and told him that all his work and trials over the last 40+ years would be finally worth it, that his band, himself and one of the singers would all be voted #1 in the latest Prog Reader's Polls, with three others also getting in the Top Ten, while their latest albums would be highly acclaimed by both fans and critics he would have had a very good laugh indeed, as what has happened with Solstice in the last decade has been nothing short of remarkable, and highly deserved.

The debut came out in 1984, the second in 1992 and the third five years later before they went into hiatus. It wasn't until 2010 that the fourth album was released, and Solstice was by now gaining some continuity with the first appearance of Jenny Newman (violin), Pete Hemsley (drums), Robin Phillips (bass) and Steven McDaniel (keyboards, vocals). This was followed up with 'Prophecy' in 2013 with the same line-up (Emma Brown singing on both), but then there was a gap until 2020 and 'Sia'. Emma had been with the band since 1997's 'Circles', but for 'Sia' they now introduced singer Jess Holland, and the world finally stood up and paid attention. The second album of the 'Sia' trilogy, 'Light Up', was released in 2022 and now we come to the final part, 'Clann'. The harmony layered vocals have by now become an incredibly important part of the band's live performance, so much so that they have now become one of the very few prog bands who hit the road with three singers, with Jess now joined by Ebony Buckle and Dyanne Crutcher (plus Nick Burns also guests on vocals on one track).

Solstice were always be associated with the Neo Prog scene, they were one of the most important bands keeping the prog light alive back in the Eighties, but their heavy use of violin always gave them a different sound, and now they are far more into crossover, both the sub-genre itself and the way they approach music. There is the strong sensation that here is a band who are finding their own way, and it is exciting and new, even though they have history going back aeons. They even recognise that as there is a bonus on the CD which is a rearranged take on "Earthsong" which was originally on the debut. Here is a band who are mixing folk, rock, prog and even dance into something which always feels light, airy, and simply remarkable. The harmony vocals alone gives them a very different take on prog, while Andy often sits in the background (with a very big smile on his face), rarely taking the lead role (although he can be dynamic and punchy when the need arises). Jenny has a wonderfully delicate touch on violin, knowing when to lead the melody, when to slow it down and when to make it sing, while Steven either provides banks of sound for the others to play against or take the lead himself. As for Pete Hemsley and Robin Philipps, here they provide a masterclass in rhythm section, knowing when to provide plenty of space and also when to come back in and hold down the foundation, even providing counter melodies.

Then there is Jess. She has one of those voices which is effortless, and she can do whatever she likes with it, but here she is fronting one of the most impressive and relentless prog bands around. There is little doubt in my mind that Solstice have produced the most remarkable, intriguing and delightful album of their career to date, and it is great to see how everyone else has finally recognised what an amazing band they are. I first reviewed them some 30 years ago and have always been a fan, but this is next level and very special indeed.

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