Short Reviews [Rain - 2023 - "Radio Silence"]

Rain are back with their second album, one which I and many other progheads have been eagerly awaiting given the depth of their 2020 debut, ‘Singularity’. Formed by ex-IQ and ex-Frost* bandmates John Jowitt (bass) and Andy Edwards (drums), they were joined by Rob Groucott, (son of ELO bassist Kelly) on vocals and keyboards along with Mirron Webb (Hey Jester) on guitar and vocals. Although the debut was recorded under lockdown conditions, ‘Radio Silence’ was written through collaboration, with many of the backing tracks recorded live at Mark Westwood’s state of the art studio in Worcestershire. One can certainly hear the way John and Andy have locked in together in a way which only happens through many hours of sharing both stage and studio, and it is this platform which allows Rob and Mirron to really shine. There is a liveliness and real life about this recording which is fresh and exciting, with a vibrancy from a band who sit happily within the crossover style of progressive rock but while they are bringing in commercial elements into their overall sound they are also expanding their stylings and bring in jazz and funk as well. There is a depth within the music, threads which are layered and moving, yet there is also a lightness which makes it immediate, yet it is only with repeated plays that the full complexity comes through. The vocals and their harmonies are an essential part of this, and while Rob often keeps his keyboards in the background it does allow Mirron to provide some wonderful guitar breaks. It is a highly polished album, and I am more than a little surprised to not see more about Rain on the scene as this is yet another superb release and I hope we do not have to wait quite so long for the next one.