VARIOUS ARTISTS – So High I’ve Been: A European Rock Anthology 1967-1973

When it comes to compilations, the UK rock scene of the late 1960s/early 1970s has been covered extensively – to the point of absolute overkill. It’s easy to feel that this is a part of musical history that no longer needs revisiting, just as many “new” articles on The Beatles, the Stones and Queen now border on being digital landfill. With that in mind, it’s always far more interesting when attentions are turned to overseas acts. Cherry Red’s rather excellent set ‘Living On The Hill’ promised “a Danish underground trip” upon its release in 2020 and subsequently did exactly what it said on the tin, giving the keener rock fan three discs’ worth of genuinely unfamiliar sounds from the North, with Blast Furnace being the compilation’s nearest to a “known” name.

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THE REAL GONE ADVENT CALENDAR 2025

It seems unbelievable that we’ve reached December already. It was only Easter a few weeks ago. Nevertheless, the end of the year is fast approaching and, as is traditional, we’ll be counting down the days to Xmas with the Real Gone advent calendar!

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THE REAL GONE SINGLES BAR #132

This visit to the Singles Bar brings some great music, ranging from a 90s influenced alternative pop tune, to a strange slice of prog that sounds like it should score a folk horror film, to a brilliant soul tune with a timeless quality and even a hard electronica number that marks the pinnacle of work from cult act. You’ll find a couple of names making their return to the SB this time around, but the selections are anything but predictable! As always, we hope you find something new to enjoy!

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MYRIAD THINGS – Sanctuary EP

In 2022, Myriad Things released two very strong but very different singles. ‘Let It Come Down’ set up an immediate groove, working a funk infused rhythm and bluesy guitar tone. With a heavier riff punctuating the verses, it was a track that was absolutely loaded with swagger. A couple of months later ‘10,000 Years Away’ presented their more melodic side, with a number that introduced a little prog/post rock guitar work which, combined with a wall of funky bass lines and soaring vocals suggested this was a band who could also feel very comfortable working with something a little more atmospheric. Having set themselves up a band to watch out for in the near future, they then didn’t actually release any more new material for three years.

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REAL GONE GOES OUT: The Utopia Strong – Ramsgate Music Hall, Ramsgate, Kent 18/10/2025

It’s approximately 8:45 on a Saturday night in Ramsgate. A crowd are gathered outside of the Music Hall, and in the venue’s lobby area, various people are milling around in a frighteningly compact space. Even before getting to the gig area, there’s a feeling that this is one of the Music Hall’s busiest nights.

Everyone’s out to see The Utopia Strong – a trio made up of Kavus Torabi (Knifeworld/Gong/Cardiacs), Michael York (Current 93) and 80s snooker legend Steve Davis – who’ve just released a new album. ‘Doperider’ has been well received by those occupying the more “cult” corners of the online press, and those who’ve seen the band before know how special the live experience can be, so this is a night that has a lot riding on it even before the musicians take the stage.

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