Articles by Gary McKenzie

“Occasionally downbeat and introspective – but there’s also an excitement that’s genuinely uplifting”: Stuckfish’s IV is another winner

By Gary McKenzie published 20 September 24

New keyboardist and new label gives the British melodic proggers the perfect platform to deliver on expectations

“Steeped in 60s folk and psychedelia, exponents of Latin American, African and Indian elements – rare for European prog artists”: Jade Warrior’s Borne On The Solar Wind – The Vertigo Albums

By Gary McKenzie published 12 July 24

“Rare elements for European prog”: Jade Warrior’s Borne On The Solar Wind 3-album set

“A comprehensive celebration of a band central to the rebirth of prog… impressively extensive”: Pallas’ Eyes In The Night – The Recordings 1981-1986

By Gary McKenzie published 3 July 24

Must-have seven-disc set documents the Scottish neo-proggers’ struggle for survival and excellence

“After almost 50 years, Hans Lundin is to be applauded for continuing to produce such rewarding music”: Kaipa’s Sommargryningsljus

By Gary McKenzie published 28 June 24

Sole remaining founding member provides “summer dawn light” featuring entrancing vocals and an awe-inspiring line-up

“A lot of it is first takes and demos. Because of what had happened to Neil we didn’t want to re-record – the songs felt too precious”: Rush fans had to wait 11 years for Vapor Trails to become the album it deserved to be

By Philip Wilding published 14 May 24

After tragedy shattered drummer Neil Peart’s life, many were just glad to have their 17th studio album in 2002. But it left almost everyone disappointed at the time

Carl Palmer - Fanfare For The Common Man box set

“There’s no questioning the quality of this collection… but is it truly essential?” Carl Palmer’s Fanfare For The Common Man box set

By Gary McKenzie published 13 April 24

4-disc Celebration of the drummer’s career includes ‘scrap book’ documentary and 200-page memoir

“This is tightrope-walking without a net… it feels a bit like having him play a solo up close and personal, and who – other than certain former members of Yes, perhaps – wouldn’t want that?” Steve Howe’s Motif Volume 2

By Gary McKenzie published 3 January 24

15 years after the first instalment, the guitarist bares the bones of his writing and proves those bones are strong

The Fierce And The Dead at the Borderline, London - live review

By Gary McKenzie published 10 November 17

Not yet rated

The Fierce And The Dead return to London with support from Monkey3, Lo Chief

Soul Enema - Of Clans And Clones And Clowns album artwork

Soul Enema - Of Clans And Clones And Clowns album review

By Gary McKenzie published 25 July 17

Not yet rated

Individualistic Isrealis Soul Enema laugh in the face of defining labels

Galahad - Quiet Storms album review

By Gary McKenzie published 25 July 17

Not yet rated

Galahad’s quest for the soft and reflective – with added Rammstein

KOYO at the Old Blue Last, London - live review

By Gary McKenzie published 23 June 17

Not yet rated

Up-and-coming Brits KOYO show live promise

Cosmograf - The Hay-Man Dreams album artwork

Cosmograf - The Hay-Man Dreams album review

By Gary McKenzie published 22 June 17

Not yet rated

Sadness and longing from a far-flung English field

Comedy Of Errors - House Of The Mind album artwork

Comedy Of Errors - House Of The Mind album review

By Gary McKenzie published 21 June 17

Not yet rated

Scottish house-building on solid foundations from Comedy Of Errors

Dave Foster - Dreamless Album Review

By Gary McKenzie published 6 May 16

Not yet rated

Diverse collection from the Panic Room/Steve Rothery Band guitarist.

Profuna Ocean: In Vacuum

By Gary McKenzie published 1 April 16

Not yet rated

Dutch band’s release poised to suck in new admirers.

Ghostly black and white portrait of Cavern Of Anti-Matter

Limelight: Meet Stereolab freewheelers Cavern of Anti-Matter

By Gary McKenzie published 1 April 16

Stereolab man’s new trio of electronic pioneers, Cavern of Anti-Matter, get futuristic with vintage synth sounds.

Gary McKenzie

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