THE GUARDIANS

This was multi-instrumentalist Robert Reed's first band and now he thankfully continues with a completely revamped lineup which had already updated their first 2 albums (For King and Country and Pictures from the Other Side ) with The Creeping Vine still left to do some day perhaps. I have all his stuff anyway. While a brand-new release, "this album features an additional 38 minutes of music that was recorded for Pictures from the Other Side, but not featured on the CD at the time. This includes the epic  Guardians of Your Destiny and All Around the World. The latter was previously in 2005 by an all-star Prog cast for a special charity release. The CD also includes a special recording of the track Cyan, which was not featured on the original CD" (courtesy Cyan website). The revamped Cyan has been often described in the progressive press as a super group and it is hard to argue the contrary. While leader Robert Reed mans the keyboards, having the luxury of some of the most in demand prog stalwarts like Luke Machin on guitars and vocalist extraordinaire Peter Jones is quite the stamp of quality, with bassist Dan Nelson (Legend, Godsticks, Magenta) and Tim Robinson (Othello Syndrome, The Fyreworks, The Kentish Spires, Stackridge) on drums, manning the rhythm section with exceptional class. Female vocalist Angharad Brinn joins in on the fun.

Three tracks are up for grabs, beginning with a mastodon of titanic proportions, the beguiling 25 minute + "The Guardians of Your Destiny" , a definite candidate for epic of 2024. Robert Reed takes over the main theme with his ivories, with Luke brazenly burning mightily on guitar, and the rhythm duo right behind, as Peter and Angharad finish off the storytelling. As the track settles into a melodically attractive realm, Dan Nelson shows his fine form, burying a deep groove with reptilian flair, as Reed liberates his synths to flutter along convincingly whilst adding organ, piano and a splash of mellotron. Guess what! This is as progressive as it gets, a harmonious expedition that travels far and wide, diving into deep valleys and scaling massive crests, each future return offering new vistas, solidifying a plethora of impressions that erases any trace of tedious technical excess. Machin's glorious fretboard solo emits a Santana-like warmth that is eyebrow raising! The various transitions are effortlessly managed, superlatively expressed with detail and most of all, passionate decorum. When Reed settles into a typical Tony Banks organ flashback, the piano not far in the rear, the atmosphere switches to more Oldfieldian realms (one of Reed's idols, we know!), with Peter Jones emoting undisguised enthusiasm, surely one of the brightest singers in modern prog today. The opening theme returns for a farewell bow to the audience, thus fully closing the circle that the guardians have devised. Jones whips out his suave saxophone for the final hurrah and its properly amazing! Needless to state, this huge masterpiece needs multiple visits to properly digest its intricate notes and truly appreciate the impeccable musicality displayed. Deeply indigo.

The need for a bit of sonic respite comes with a lovely ballad, "All Around the World" exhibits all those attributes that world class neo-prog can occasionally dish out and this is no exception. Cyan's version of "Afterglow", a luminous anthem that seduces the ear from the get-go, no 'fancy shmancy'prog pyrotechnics needed, just a beautiful simple song. Both vocalists share a duet that transcends the mundane, Jones in particular scaling grandiose heights that dazzle the mind , followed by the extended Luke Machin solo that scorches the heart strings with expert savoir faire, Steve Rothery would be jealous. The final section goes instrumentally proggy with orchestral meanderings that set up an explosive synthesizer solo, with choir in full voice, bubbling over a wicked bass undertow. Seven minutes of delicately aqua.

The instrumental finale "Cyan" injects a rousing, churlish organ workout that barks at the moon, like a despairing wolf. Propelled by a furiously active bass and drum onslaught, this is certainly more than some lost obscure track, mainly due to the sulfurous saxophone blurts that exceeds the norm, the e-guitar taking over the fiery eruption twice with glee. Shift to some playful jazzy improv and back and forth we go. Tingling e-piano puddles complement the necessary bluish coloring that defines the title (and the band), as one can feel the unabashed zeal and joyfulness emanating from all the players here.

Essentially turquoise.

It's a short album with 38 minutes of running time, but all is exquisite. Two final words, Robert: More please .

4.5 Protectors of Fate