by Prog Nick
Solstice is a band that to my ears sounds almost magical, and this magic (or should that read ‘magick’?) is created by a unique melding of styles and approaches that, while eclectic, sounds like only Solstice can. At times the band sounds like an electric guitar-driven Prog Rock extravaganza, and at other times like a group of musical faeries bounding through the forest casting wistful charms and spells. But it always sounds like Solstice. The band is nothing if not consistent in its wonderful sound, but one wonders – how far back in its catalogue does that consistency go?
Very English but also very cosmopolitan, Solstice, led by stalwart and highly respected guitarist Andy Glass, were one of the ‘big six’ neo-Prog bands that revived the genre in the 1980’s. But there is so much more to them than just that. Their sound is certainly neo-progressive and highly expressive of Glass’ 1970’s Symphonic Rock influences, but there are also strong elements of Folk (and I mean that term to include Folkloric music), Funk, Classical, Jazz, Melodic Rock, New Age and much more. But although similarities have been drawn to bands like Yes, Camel, Mostly Autumn and Magenta, there is no denying that Solstice have their own particular sound. This is due not only to the melding of styles mentioned above, but also to an indefinable quality of free-spiritedness that is quite mythical and almost Bohemian (meant in the best possible way.) It is structured, diverse and disciplined, but it also somehow sounds as magical as a druid and as free as an English summer breeze.
With the search under way for a vocalist to replace the excellent Jess Holland, who will be exiting the band this year, it makes sense that the band’s 2026 release should be a remaster of older catalogue material. And Glass’ selection is an enticing one: he has decided to remaster the band’s seminal second studio album, 1993’s ‘New Life’. This album has been described as an ‘undiscovered gem that, without the backing of a major label, largely eluded those outside the devoted Solstice faithful.’ It has certainly eluded me until now (even though I have counted myself among the Solstice faithful for several years) and I am very grateful that this release has rectified that omission. ‘New Life’ was an important and pivotal release from the early 1990’s and, on listening to it now, it absolutely deserves this brand-new exposure.
Solstice have had a very dynamic history as far as personnel is concerned, but in fairness, this might have been one of the reasons for the band’s consistent re-invigoration, with Glass being the constant. The band was already on to its third lead vocalist by 1993, in the form of the talented Heidi Kemp, who was joined in studio by Glass, violinist/keyboardist Marc Elton, bassist Craig Sutherland and drummer Pete Hemsley. This was Kemp’s only album with the band, and Elton’s second of only three, but both their performances were highly memorable, as were those of Helmsley and Glass.
‘New Life’ was a strong early example of the uplifting new-age spirit that still, to this day, makes Solstice one of the most distinctive bands in Prog. The album positively radiates with hope, warmth and optimism, and it has wonderful musicianship.
‘Morning Light’ is a grandiose opener of some four minutes that sets the vocal and instrumental tone of the album. The mystical female vocals are omniscient and the guitar solo is gigantic. Of course, the eleven minute epic track ‘Guardian’ (also the name given to the band’s super-fans) is by now one of the touchstones of British Prog, and the modern audio treatment given to it in the remaster will further entrench that position. It has a fast and funky mid-section with one of the best violin solos you have ever heard – now very clearly audible. This epic track flawlessly illustrates the history of Solstice’s signature sound, presenting a combination of ascendant vocal harmonies, perfect violin passages, stirring guitar work and varied arrangement.
‘The Sea’ is a beautifully serene and atmospheric instrumental that will bring you to peace, while the title track and ‘Pathways’ both show that Solstice are not afraid to rock out with the best of them. These tracks are upbeat and forceful, with very strong hooks and funky grooves. ‘Pathways’ includes some of the Proggiest moments on the album, with complex time signatures and distinctly Yes-like vocals. It is brilliant. The closing studio track, ‘Journey’, retains the Proggy feel, this time with a more mythical and introspective touch, and it ends the album perfectly with strong performances by the whole band, who are in their comfort zones. New Age musical wizardry never sounded so good.
The 2026 package includes not only the above remastered versions of the original album tracks, but also live renditions of ‘New Life’, ‘Guardian’ and ‘Morning Light’. These tracks were recorded in 2023 and 2026 by the band’s current line-up (including Jess Holland) and they prove without doubt that the underlying compositions created thirty years ago are timeless. These are worthy additions to the collection indeed.
I never heard the original album thirty years ago, but I can affirm that this remaster sounds very accomplished, fresh and vibrant. It has a luxurious and spacious production while, it seems to me, retaining its historical whimsical appeal – because the compositions and performances are that strong, and they now receive a new dynamic range that is seemingly unrestricted. The instruments are beefy and well-separated and the vocals always sound sweet, soaring and wistful. Glass is quite obviously as accomplished a producer as he is a guitarist.
All the necessary Solstice elements are there – endearing female vocals, searing guitar solos that will reach into your soul, beaming violin parts, sweet Folk-rock hooks, fat grooves and adventurous and suspenseful arrangements. The album has magic and mystery, allure and appeal imagery and emotion – all presented with mythical New Age trends, folky feels and Proggy touches. This makes the ‘New Life’ remaster not just an obviously indispensable release for die-hard Solstice fans, but also an essential introduction for newcomers to the band’s early ground-breaking years. ‘New Life’ Remastered is absolutely magical.
1. Morning Light (3:46)
2. Guardian (10:41)
3. The Sea (6:52)
4. New Life (4:54)
5. Pathways (5:04)
6. Journey (10:03)
7. Morning Light: Live – The Stables 2023 (3:25)
8. Guardian: Live – Cropredy Festival 2023 (10:46)
9. New Life: Live – Band on the Wall 2026 (5:12)
Order here: https://solsticeprog.uk/solstore
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