The Review Show, Episode 2: Sharks, Alan Parsons Project, Venamoris, & More!
Watch the video above for the full reviews
Hello everyone, Phil Aston here from Now Spinning Magazine with another episode of The Review Show, where I spotlight the latest CD, vinyl, and box set releases – from legendary names to hidden gems. In this edition, I’ll be diving into:
Sharks – The early 70s rock outfit featuring Andy Fraser (Free)
Alan Parsons Project – Tales of Mystery and Imagination reissues
Nektar – Their super deluxe box set of Journey to the Centre of the Eye
Venamoris – A new project from Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo… but not what you’d expect
Dream Theater – Their latest album and why it might be their best in years
Arliston, Circa 5, Wardruna, Mudhog, Soft Machine, and more!
Whether you’re looking for timeless prog, modern electronica, or boundary-pushing rock, hopefully you’ll find something here that sparks your curiosity. Let’s get started!
1. Sharks – ‘Car Crash Supergroup: The Island Record Years’ (1973–1974)
Format: 3CD clamshell box set on Cherry Red’s Lemon label
What’s Inside: Debut album First Water, follow-up Jab It in Your Eye, plus the unreleased ‘car crash tapes’ (demos and live recordings)
Why It’s Worth It: For fans of Free (Andy Fraser’s next move), or anyone into vintage British hard rock, it’s a slice of 70s energy. Just be aware some of the live/bootleg material is rough quality, but worth a listen for the true completist.
2. Alan Parsons Project – Tales of Mystery and Imagination (New Reissues)
Formats: CD (expanded), Clear Vinyl (half-speed remaster), and 2LP 45 RPM audiophile edition
Key Takeaway: A cornerstone of progressive rock, based on Edgar Allan Poe’s works. The Fall of the House of Usher orchestral suite shines, and the 45 RPM version is especially stunning sonically. If you love cinematic prog, this album remains a must-own.
3. Nektar – Journey to the Centre of the Eye (Super Deluxe Box)
What’s New: Expands on the already-impressive 2CD set with 6 discs total, including 5.1 surround mixes, archival live recordings, and a fascinating promo video clip.
Why It’s Great: If you’re a Nektar devotee, you’ll appreciate hearing the album in multiple versions—plus a trove of live material (albeit somewhat bootleg-quality).
4. Venamoris – To the Cross or to Burn
Band Members: Dave Lombardo (ex-Slayer) on drums and Paula Lombardo on vocals
Sound: Closer to Portishead’s atmospheric electronica than thrash metal! Expect moody, textured soundscapes with occasional heavier moments (including a cover of Scorpions’ “Animal Magnetism”).
Verdict: Completely different from what you might expect from Lombardo – definitely worth a spin if you like dark, dreamy electronica with a rock edge.
5. Dream Theater – Parasomnia
My Reaction: Absolutely loved it. Feels like a return to their classic form, energised by the return of Mike Portnoy on drums. Riffs, melody, and proggy passages all hit the mark. Possibly their best in years!
Highlights: “Dead Asleep,” “Shadowman Incident” (19½ minutes epic). If you’ve drifted from Dream Theater, this might be the album to bring you back.
6. Arliston – Disappointment Machine
Format: Vinyl with a gorgeous booklet of lyrics and photos
Style: Modern indie/folk/pop with introspective themes. Think Bon Iver meets Tim Bowness.
Why Listen: The atmospheric songwriting and detailed packaging create a deeply immersive experience. It’s reflective, melancholic, yet ultimately uplifting.
7. Circa 5 – Clockwork Chora
What’s It Like: Uplifting UK prog reminiscent of Big Big Train or The Tangent with a nod to jazz-rock.
Concept: A storyline involving a circus organisation and personal trauma—slightly heady, but the music is melodic, fresh, and well-produced.
How to Support: Buy direct from their Bandcamp page for signed CDs and bonus tracks.
8. Wardruna – Verda
Genre: Norse folk, immersive and darkly atmospheric.
Why It’s Special: Chants, tribal rhythms, and a sense of connecting to ancient Nordic spirituality. If you fancy an escape into the deep, misty woods, this album transports you there.
9. Mudhog
Description: A limited-edition double LP (300 copies) mixing classic ‘70s/‘80s rock vibes with a raw, unpolished feel.
The Catch: Features guitars once owned by rock legends (Blackmore, Townshend, Hendrix), giving each track a unique character. Production can vary track-to-track, but it’s a passionate project for collector’s or gearheads.
10. Soft Machine – Softs (1976)
Style: British jazz-rock/fusion.
My Take: Tracks like “Song of Aeolus” and “One Over the Eight” highlight fiery guitar leads and fluid composition. If you missed this era in the mid-70s, it’s a top-tier example of late-phase Soft Machine.
11. J.B.3 – The Road Not Travelled
Local Cornish Folk/Blues: Only 200 copies pressed. Melodic tunes with strong vocals and harmonica-laced arrangements.
Why Grab It: A charming, heartfelt album that feels handcrafted in every sense.
12. Max – Beyond Roden (Expanded Reissue)
Backstory: A 1974 horn-rock/jazz-funk album originally known as Roden, with only 200 pressings. Now reissued with bonus tracks and extensive notes.
Sound: Think Chicago/BS&T meets punchy, guitar-led fusion. A piece of lost 70s musical history now available on vinyl at last.
13. And for the Kids: ‘Moana 2’ on Colour Vinyl
Recommendation: A gateway to record collecting for youngsters—vivid vinyl and sing-along fun. Perfect if you’re nurturing tiny turntable enthusiasts!
Final Thoughts
That’s it for this second episode of The Review Show. From bluesy gems and Norwegian folk to unexpected electronica and old-school British rock, there’s a world of music out there—always something new to explore. Let me know in the comments what’s caught your ear, and if you’d like your own music featured, reach out via the Now Spinning Magazine website.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
Remember: music is the healer and the doctor—so keep spinning those discs, and I’ll see you in the next episode!
