Clann by Solstice

Clann, the album released in 2025 by Solstice, a neo-prog band active since 1984.

I finally found it; it arrived and I immediately listened to it, it completely changed my playlist. I waited so long that I unwrapped it like a child opens Christmas presents... and immediately listened again and again, and shared it here with all of you, now.

This band's strength lies in its female vocals, one primarily as lead singer for Jess Holland, but also Ebony Buckle and Dyanne Crutcher, who make up a superb vocal section. It's hard to find anything similar with such quality and perfection.

A beautiful tribute to all those who contributed to the album, including friends and family who are not only individually named in the booklet that comes with the album, but are also represented in a beautiful photo on the inside cover that inspires and arouses love and happiness!

The songs are... beautiful.

- "Firefly," a sunny piece with great vocals and backing vocals. Jess Holland's lead vocals stand out throughout the album. The song's sunny and engaging mood is beautiful, along with Andy Glass's guitar and a perfect rhythm section.

- "Life" begins with Jenny Newman's violin and a driving drum beat, with the female vocals and backing vocals dominating throughout. A breath of optimism pervades the song.

- Plunk delivers a beautiful and compelling funk, a truly captivating piece. The horns and guitar solo are beautiful.

- Frippa begins with a syncopated guitar and drum riff, and here the prog takes center stage, always with a positive mood and a sense of spaciousness. The lead vocals are always splendid. The violin work is beautiful, accentuating certain parts of the song with its melancholic and sweet melody over a decidedly upbeat backing track! What a guitar solo!!! Great piece!

Twin Peaks begins beautifully with guitar arpeggios and a passionate, effortlessly crafted melody. Then the vocals take center stage, and only later do the drums lighten up. The song's mood is almost moving. The song changes with a synth loop and unexpected vocals, a rhythm reminiscent of Native American dances. Initially very basic, all the instruments then take part in a crescendo, leading to the final section where the initial melody returns, with greater emphasis, exploding in a storm of emotions, choruses... which converge in the final bars on that synth loop... This piece is a concert, a gigantic piece, and this is due to the splendid composition, the vocal performances, and all the instruments.

A magnificent album finale, for a magnificent album.

Clann delivers an album with songs that are both prog and less so; my impression is that of a very refined progressive rock.

An album everyone should listen to, a top album of 2025.

Tracks:
1. Firefly (6:20)
2. Life (6:37)
3. Plunk (5:27)
4. Frippa (5:54)
5. Twin Peaks (13:51)
6. Earthsong (Bonus CD) (7:12)
Running Time: 45:11

The Lineup
- Andy Glass - guitar, vocals
- Jenny Newman - violin
- Pete Hemsley - drums
- Jess Holland - vocals
- Robin Phillips - bass
- Steven McDaniel - keyboards, vocals
- Ebony Buckle - vocals
- Nick Burns - vocals (5)