Back catalogue: Progressive Rock

Review: After a five-year split, Atomic Rooster returned with renewed force on their sixth studio album, Atomic Rooster, pushing into heavier territory sligning au naturel with the emerging new wave of British heavy metal. Released in 1980, the album marked a sharp turn from their earlier, more progressive leanings, favouring a nude, aggressor rock sound. Guitarist and vocalist John Du Cann reworked two tracks, 'She's My Woman' and 'Where's the Show?', from his unreleased 1977 solo work The World's Not Big Enough, breathing into them second life within the Rooster framework. Though the 2005 CD reissue stirred interest with rare demos and extensive sleevenotes, it remains an "unofficial" release due to copyright issues with EMI. 'Do You Know Who's Looking for You?' later found new life via a Finnish-language cover by rock band YUP.

Review: Kevin Ayers serves up an intoxicating blend of folk, rock and avant-garde whimsy, his voice at once languid and commanding. With its rich, layered arrangements and a sense of playful irreverence, the album feels like a mischievous wink to listeners. Tracks range from the jazzy, free-form spirit of 'The Confessions of Dr. Dream' to the lush and introspective tones of 'Don't Let It Get You Down', showcasing Ayers' knack for both levity and depth. A record that's as enigmatic as it is charming, effortlessly bridging the gap between the eccentric and the sublime.

Review: Hailing from Herne Bay in the south east of England, Kevin Ayers emerged as a pioneering figure in the nearby Canterbury scene. His second solo release with the Whole World is a testament to the experimental spirit of early 70s UK music, mixing progressive rock with psychedelia and avant-garde influences, blending whimsical ballads and intricate soundscapes. Tracks like 'May I?' and 'Rheinhardt & Geraldine' show off his knack for fusing carefree melodies with more experimental structures, while 'Underwater' and 'Clarence in Wonderland' explore the era's boundary-pushing approach to sound. Featuring contributions from Mike Oldfield and Robert Wyatt, the record's genre-defying nature helped cement Ayers as a key figure in progressive rock. Though originally released in 1970, this album remains an influential work, still resonating with contemporary artists drawn to its mix of playfulness and musical innovation.