Return To Cropredy : WILD THYME RECORDS
Transcendent live musings from outstanding British proggers.
With origins in the very dawn of the neo-prog movement, and having experienced many peaks and troughs since, Solstice are one of British prog's many unsung heroes. The rejuvenated line-up have built a well-deserved reputation in recent years for fantastically energetic and joyful live shows, producing warmly received albums including last year's Light Up.
This double LP, released on coloured vinyl, captures the band in full flight at Cropredy in 2023, 25 years after they last appeared there. Making everything sound relaxed and effortless, yet with unfettered exuberance never far away, founding member, founder and guitarist Andy Glass leads this merry band through a combination of the old (including a soaring Morning Light from 1993's New Life release and a magnificent Sacred Run from 1997's Circles) and the new (a rousing Shout from 2021's Sia and an effervescent Mount Ephraim from Light Up). The band is on fire. Glass's playing is astounding, and main vocalist Jess Holland and backing singers Ebony Buckle and Dyane Crutcher navigate gorgeous three-part harmonies with palpable delight. A life-affirming, elegant and exciting celebration.
Gary McKenzie