CLANN

After producing only one studio album in the 80s, a couple in the 90s, largely not bothering with such releases in the 00s, and treating us to a couple in the early 2010s, Solstice have put out their third album of the 2020s in the form of Clann.

Did any of you expect that this decade would be the golden age in terms of brand-new Solstice material? I certainly didn't, but Clann finds the group going from strength to strength. Perhaps it's the consistency of the line-up which is the secret sauce which has added a bit more pep to their step, because this is the third album in a row with essentially the same lineup as made Sia, the first of this streak; Ebony Buckle and Dyanne Crutcher have come in to provide additional vocals, but the lead vocal duties still fall to Jess Holland, whose voice has been such an asset over this triptcyh of releases.

What does it sound like? Well, it sound a lot like Sia and Light Up, to be honest - laid-back, Yes-influenced, mellow neo-prog with Andy Glass's guitar work, Jenny Newman's violin, and Steven McDaniel's keyboards providing wonderful textures over the propulsive, tight rhythm section of Hemsley and Phillips. It's not revolutionary if you've been following the Solstice trail this long, but if you're a true believer then you'll probably be glad of more of what the band do best, and if you're new to them, it's as good a jumping-on point as any of their 2020s albums. The band really seem to be getting their flowers at last, and it's grand to see it - proof positive that gentle perseverance and careful quality control can win out in an age of hurry and hustle.

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