How else should you spend your Sunday, why with face melting virtuosic keyboard solos by the coolest keyboardist currently in prog.
Walking into a venue just off Tottenham Court Road you are transported into what feels like a gig from the past. Minimal staging, a few lights and a load of people passionate about prog in a basement venue. Everything about tonight feels casual, a gathering of people just wanting to hear some interesting songs with very little judgment. First on the bill tonight is Sweetpool. A 3 piece act made up of a drummer, a bassist and guitarist on lead vocal duties. Their sound fits well into the prog landscape of tonight, but they don’t sound like a traditional prog act. They have a sound somewhere between The Fall and Hawkwind, psychedelic post punk with driving riffs. The bassist and drummer come on stage in matching hats whereas the guitarist comes on stage with Micheal Stipe reminiscent makeup. The highlight of the set comes from the oddly catchy ‘Magic Food’ which is introduced as being a song about food which isn’t real. They are the least heavy band of the night but bring a great vibe into the venue ready for the rest of the night.
Next on the bill for tonight is modern prog metallers Something Or Other. The band are heavy which stands out in the best way possible tonight. Their sound is authentic and lacks any level of pretentiousness associated with prog. The band is made up of two guitarists, a bassist, a drummer and vocalist. Each member excels in their instrument, but their lead guitarist stands out as a pure shredding machine. Her solos are fast, intense and just great fun to watch. The older members of the crowd were most likely unprepared for how heavy this set would be but they enjoy it, so much so to the extent that that their necks don’t stop moving. The most effective part of the set comes as the introduction for their song ‘Scapegoat’ where the band boldly stand up for trans rights, which is more important than ever to be vocal about. The crowd enthusiastically agree as the band then go full steam ahead with the track. A very heavy set that would work well for fans of prog and super heavy music in general.
Tonight’s headliners are Kyros. Their take on prog is hard to pinpoint but can be best described as taking the best moments from Duke era Genesis and mixing that with synth pop and a good sprinkling of metal. The band are nothing but pure professionals, down to the smallest details such as decorating the stage with greenery and bringing a custom lighting package. As the band take the stage, they instantly bring their trademark sound. Walking on one by one until the mastermind behind the band takes the stage, keyboardist and vocalist Shelby Logan Warne. There is no getting around the fact she is a pure prog god on the synths. The crowd certainly knows that by going absolutely crazy as soon as she takes the stage. She just exudes charisma. The band are absolutely playing off each other too, from just a generally tight sound to choreographed stage moves proving just how much fun they are having live.
Prog doesn’t have to be inaccessible and long winded ; Kyros’ songs are straight to the point and always catchy. Even in the more traditional aspects of prog gigs such as solos, they are never long and they are always a pleasure to watch. All 4 musicans on stage get their chance to shine. The main theme of tonight’s set is just fun, and the crowd completely understands that from singing along to throwing some pretty intense dance moves for a prog gig. Smiles appear on faces effortlessly due to the electric atmosphere. The fact the two support acts lacked synths makes them stand out even more in this set. Shelby really does bring something so magical to music. There is no better feeling in life than seeing a kickass keytar solo. Kyros are an utter joy to watch, blending a unique array of sounds to create their own take on prog. If you see Kyros live you are guaranteed to leave smiling from ear to ear.
Words: Will Freeman
Photos: Artemi Falzon
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