RADIO SILENCE

Rain are back with their second album, one which I and many other progheads have been eagerly awaiting given the depth of their 2020 debut, 'Singularity'. Formed by ex-IQ and ex-Frost* bandmates John Jowitt (bass) and Andy Edwards (drums), they were joined by Rob Groucott, (son of ELO bassist Kelly) on vocals and keyboards along with Mirron Webb (Hey Jester) on guitar and vocals. Although the debut was recorded under lockdown conditions, 'Radio Silence' was written through collaboration, with many of the backing tracks recorded live at Mark Westwood's state of the art studio in Worcestershire. One can certainly hear the way John and Andy have locked in together in a way which only happens through many hours of sharing both stage and studio, and it is this platform which allows Rob and Mirron to really shine.

There is a liveliness and real life about this recording which is fresh and exciting, with a vibrancy from a band who sit happily within the crossover style of progressive rock but while they are bringing in commercial elements into their overall sound they are also expanding their stylings and bring in jazz and funk as well. There is a depth within the music, threads which are layered and moving, yet there is also a lightness which makes it immediate, yet it is only with repeated plays that the full complexity comes through. The vocals and their harmonies are an essential part of this, and while Rob often keeps his keyboards in the background it does allow Mirron to provide some wonderful guitar breaks.

It is a highly polished album, and I am more than a little surprised to not see more about Rain on the scene as this is yet another superb release and I hope we do not have to wait quite so long for the next one.

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Posted Friday, July 28, 2023 | Review this album | Report (Review #2942754)

Don't let the "crossover" tag put you off; this is no bog-standard pop-prog. At times it puts me in mind of the careful eclecticism of Echolyn or fellow relative newcomers Pattern-Seeking Animals; pulling in influences from a variety of sources both in and outside the world of prog, then sculpti ... (read more)

Report this review (#2899420) | Posted by runciblemoon | Wednesday, March 15, 2023 | Review Permanlink

RAIN group of Rob GROUCUTT and John JOWITT having played in ARK, JADIS, ARENA, BLIND EGO, IQ and FROST*! Musical art-rock with evolving, frenzied, convoluted and energetic drawers. His friend Andy drummer from FROST* helps him to release a strange, schizoid first album, yes you are already think ... (read more)

Report this review (#2895290) | Posted by alainPP | Tuesday, February 28, 2023 | Review Permanlink

Understated Menacing Rebellion "Illegitimis non Carborundum" Beneath the savvy musicianship, the polished production, the progressive-pop sensibilities, the world-weary lyrics, there's a strong call to action to resist the machine, to take a stand, to hold one's ground, and "don't let the ba ... (read more)

Report this review (#2881787) | Posted by Steve Conrad | Saturday, February 11, 2023 | Review Permanlink

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