Cyan – Pictures From The Other Side (Tiger Moth Records, 2023)
Renowned British keyboardist and composer Rob Reed has masterfully resurrected one of his early gems with Cyan, and, let me tell you, it’s nothing short of fabulous. The 2023 rendition of Pictures from The Other Side is a venture through symphonic progressive rock that encapsulates the very essence of musical brilliance. Reed, a maestro in his own right, seamlessly fuses influences from the golden eras of 1970s and 1980s progressive rock while injecting a contemporary flair that keeps it all refreshingly current.
Now, let’s talk about the virtuoso Luke Machin, the guitar wizard who graces this album with his extraordinary talent. Undoubtedly one of the preeminent guitarists in the current progressive rock scene, Machin dazzles with a multifaceted, elegant, and downright epic guitar style. His contribution to the album is nothing short of a guitar feast, delivering a plethora of styles and techniques that elevate the entire experience.
And let’s not forget the vocal magic brought to the table by Peter Jones and Angharad Brinn. Jones, with his distinctively deep, powerful, and magnetic vocal style, stands as one of the foremost vocalists in the current progressive rock landscape. The delightful interplay between Jones and the enchanting Brinn adds an extra layer of emotion to the overall album sound.
While Reed may not flaunt a flashy keyboardist persona, his subtle yet effective arrangements and marvelous orchestrations are deeply satisfying, contributing significantly to Pictures From The Other Side‘s allure.
Now, full disclosure, I reveled in the entirety of the album, with only a minor hiccup. Personally, the smooth jazz saxophone in track 2 didn’t quite resonate with me, but hey, art is subjective, right?
For those unfamiliar with Rob Reed’s illustrious career, he’s been the driving force behind progressive rock projects such as Magenta, Kompendium, and Sanctuary. The roots of Cyan trace back to 1983 when Reed, still in school, founded the band. After a hiatus and some twists of fate, Cyan emerged from the shadows, treating us to a completely re-imagined version of the ‘For King And Country’ album. Their resurgence has been nothing short of triumphant, performing at prominent festivals like the 2023 Night of The Prog in Germany and the 2022 Summers End and Fusion festivals in the UK.
Musicians: Robert Reed on keyboards, backing vocals; Luke Machin on guitars; Peter Jones on lead vocals, saxophone, whistles; Angharad Brinn on vocals; Dan Nelson on bass.
Buy the album at Bandcamp.