CLANN

Solstice is one of those underrated ? bands in the world of British progressive rock. Formed in 1980 by guitarist and primary songwriter Andy Glass, the band carved a unique niche with their blend of symphonic prog, folk textures, spiritual undertones, and New Age ambiance. Their 1984 debut Silent Dance remains a cult favorite, rich in violin-driven melodies and gentle vocal work. Despite long breaks and lineup changes, Solstice has always remained a labor of love, led consistently by Glass. After periods of silence, the band saw a remarkable creative resurgence with Sia (2020) and Light Up (2022). Clann (2025) is the third and final part of that trilogy?a culmination of their most artistically mature era. Solstice is Andy Glass ? Guitars, vocals, Jess Holland ? Lead vocals, Jenny Newman ? Violin, Pete Hemsley ? Drums, Robin Phillips ? Bass, Steven McDaniel ? Keyboards, vocals, Ebony Buckle ? Vocals, Crutcher ? Vocals Clann Strong characteristic is vocals work is really solid even stronger than their previous records , full of great harmonies and a the energy of Jess Holland's performances.

At just five tracks, Clann is concise for a prog album, but that brevity comes with mixed results. While each song feels deliberate and part of a broader emotional arc, the overall impact is somewhat blunted by a production style that feels too polished, even sterile at times. The album leans heavily on studio sheen?layered vocals, pristine guitars, compressed drums?which often robs the music of the warmth and organic texture that has defined Solstice's charm in the past.

Clann is a conclusion and a celebration. It caps off a trilogy that has seen Solstice move from pastoral 1980s holdovers into a confident, modern progressive band with something to say. The album is spiritual, melodic, and organic?prog that's more about emotional resonance than technical flash. You can feel the decades of experience and love poured into it. But again some of those new records has that too polished sound that lost that sensation of a classic record that That subtracts points at the end of listening to this wonderful album. The thirst for perfectionism can sometimes work against you. This is a great record but I still think that Sia is still my favorite, anyway a good Sunday listen but not the best from Solstice .

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