THIS WINTER MACHINE – A Tower Of Clocks [2xCD Special Edition] (2019) HQ *Exclusive*

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Yorkshire based progressive rockers THIS WINTER MACHINE released a Special Edition of their album “A Tower Of Clocks” that was only available as a pre-order via the band’s website. As requested, here’s ”A Tower Of Clocks [2xCD Special Edition]’‘ including a bonus disc, ”Live In Leeds”, not released in any other format.
Hearing this album makes clear why they have picked up a few awards / nominations for best Prog newcomer with their melodious Neo Prog music akin Fish-era MARILLION.

Prog fans will be delighted to know this is a concept work, based upon the premise that the main character throughout the album, the owl, is like an angel who stores all our feelings and memories in Tower Of Clocks, meaning that nothing really dies while it can still be remembered.
An interesting idea and one the band explore over the ten songs on the album that includes three instrumentals.
Speaking of instrumentals ‘Herald’ is a rollercoaster ride of tempos and features wonderful interplay between the keys and crunchy guitar riffs. ‘In Amber’ is a beautiful ballad, allowing Al Winter the chance to show his emotive singing.

The band’s love of MARILLION comes through loud and clear on ‘The Hunt’, a satisfying mix of guitar-led parts and another couple of soaring keyboard solos. The band never let any one instrument dominate and the production is spot on.
Musicianship wise they are all top notch, special mention to the keys of Mark Numan and in particular his piano parts dotted throughout the album. Also bassist Pete Priestly who gives that bottom end some serious kicking when required (‘Symmetry And Light’) and at other times, a gently soothing bassline (‘In Amber‘).

The bonus disc ”Live In Leeds” delivers 37 minutes of THIS WINTER MACHINE showcasing their melodic chops, stupendous solos, perfect vocals, and an overall showcase of the band’s great musicianship.

THIS WINTER MACHINE is a perfect listen for those who love Fish-era MARILLION and Neo Prog bands like PENDRAGON and ARENA. A highly accomplished album and one that is set to win THIS WINTER MACHINE more deserved awards and listeners.
Highly Recommended

 

“A Tower Of Clocks”
01 – i. Herald
02 – ii. Flying
03 – iii. Spiral
04 – iv. Symmetry And Light
05 – v. Justified
06 – vi. In Amber
07 – vii. The Hunt
08 – viii. Delta
09 – ix. When We Were Young
10 – x. Carnivàle

”Live In Leeds”
01 – Lullaby (Interrupted) & Fractured (Live in Leeds).flac
02 – After Tomorrow Comes (Live in Leeds)
03 – The Man Who Never Was (Live in Leeds)

 

Al Winter – Vocals
Mark Numan – Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Graham Garbett – Guitars, Backing Vocals
Scott Owens – Guitars, Backing Vocals
Pete Priestley – Bass, Bass Pedals
Andy Milner – Drums, Percussion

 

Out Of Print