{"id":14475,"date":"2025-01-24T11:41:34","date_gmt":"2025-01-24T11:41:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.progradar.org\/?p=14475"},"modified":"2026-08-20T22:45:10","modified_gmt":"2026-08-20T21:45:10","slug":"review-cyan-the-guardians-by-john-wenlock-smith","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/progradar.co.uk\/index.php\/2025\/01\/24\/review-cyan-the-guardians-by-john-wenlock-smith\/","title":{"rendered":"Review – Cyan – The Guardians – by John Wenlock-Smith"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The Cyan<\/strong> release, ‘The Guardians’, comprises a mere three tracks, namely The Guardians Of Your Destiny<\/em><\/strong>, a 26 minute epic that has been resurrected from Cyan\u2019s<\/strong> reimagining of the original 1994 album, reworked and extended from its original 12 minute run time with new parts and solo’s from all and sundry, All Around The World<\/em><\/strong>, that was used as the Progaid single in 2005 and there\u2019s also an instrumental entitled Cyan<\/em><\/strong>. Both the first two tracks were on the original album ‘Pictures From The Other Side’<\/em>, however, due to excessive running length and so as not to distract from what they had already worked on and re-recorded, they were left off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The whole EP lasts for approximately 38 minutes in all and, whilst not a full album, it certainly is a hefty slice of Cyan<\/strong> music to savour and enjoy. Once again, the band comprises of Robert Reed<\/strong> on keyboards, Dan Nelson<\/strong> on bass, Peter Jones<\/strong> on vocals and various wind instruments and the guitar work comes from Luke Machin<\/strong> who never fails to impress with his fleet fingered flights of delight. They are also joined by the angelic voice of Angharad Brinn<\/strong>, whose ethereal vocals are highly impressive sounding and work well in tandem with Peter Jones<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The EP starts with the epic The Guardians Of Your Destiny<\/em><\/strong>. This begins with Angharad\u2019s voice soaring over a wash of keyboard sounds and some muted percussion before Luke Machin<\/strong> lets fly with a soaring guitar line which is then superseded by Rob\u2019s organ sounds. Luke takes over once again before Peter Jones<\/strong> sings the opening verse. As an opening section this is pretty epic with lots happening and it all sounds wonderful too. This leads to delicate short acoustic guitar section before Rob allows his keyboards free rein in an explosive set of runs. There is then a part with dual vocals from Peter and Angharad that shows the beauty of their two voices. A brief but soaring guitar solo from Luke intercedes before we return to more duo vocals and acoustic guitar interludes, along with a glorious synth solo from Rob and guitar break from Luke. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rob\u2019s organ sounds return before Angharad sings the refrain We Are The Mighty Ones<\/em> that occurs at several points during the song, acting as a way marker in moving the song along and holding the sections together as one complete piece. The sounds are very Genesis<\/strong> like in tone and I feel it gives a point of reference in Rob\u2019s musical development and plays as a tribute to the mastery of Tony Banks<\/strong>. The song draws towards it conclusion with another Luke Machin solo and more keyboard solo\u2019s from Rob. Mention must also be made of the stellar Bass work from Dan Nelson<\/strong> who is there at every turn adding depth and Solidity. The track ends in a triumphant burst of impassioned vocals from Peter Jones<\/strong> before a return to the chorus of We Are The Mighty Ones<\/em> and a final guitar fill from Luke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All Around The World<\/em><\/strong> is a pretty straightforward listen that has more epic guitar from Luke Machin<\/strong>, who never fails to impress with his fluid playing. I\u2019ve known Luke for over 15 years and have seen his confidence and abilities grow over that time and he always plays what is needed at the time. He is one of prog\u2019s most versatile players, as his soon to be released solo album will invariably attest. The song then enters a longer keyboard part to finish. This excellent EP finishes with he instrumental track Cyan<\/em><\/strong>, which is really 2 instrumentals they used to play in the 1980\u2019s that have been fused together with a few new parts added. This gives room for all to take their turn in the spotlight with Luke, Rob and Peter all taking the spotlight, Peter by means of his saxophone, Luke with his guitar and Rob embellishing everything with his sensitive and keen keyboard solos, sounds and textures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whilst this may be a shorter EP, it certainly is not without its merits and is a joy to hear these musicians cutting loose as they do in Cyan<\/strong>. ‘The Guardians’<\/em> is an excellent addition to the Cyan<\/strong> canon and will fit well alongside ‘Pictures From The Other Side’ <\/em>to complete the full picture that album represents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Released 16th August, 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Order the CD here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/www.tigermothshop.co.uk\/store\/Cyan-The-Guardians-CD-pre-order-p674509462<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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