I first heard of Syd Arthur when someone pitched them to me as the future of Prog Rock music. With a name that merges Pink Floyd with The Kinks, and being on the Harvest record label (home to Syd Barrett, Pink Floyd, Roy Harper and Deep Purple in their day) – from afar it looks good. Touring their newest album Sound Mirror, the young lads form Canterbury take influence from fellow Canterburians Soft Machine, Hatfield And The North and Caravan – all pioneers of the psychedelic-progressive rock scene in the 60s/70s.
I arrived early at the Komedia to make sure I didn’t miss local support Jouis. After hearing some quick snippets of them on the internet, I was growing in excitement at what was looking to be a decidedly English sounding night of music. The quintet combine jazz, psychedelia and progressive rock to conjure up a very well-rehearsed, interesting and impressive sound that got everyone’s attention, especially a song called Universe Goggles. After only 5 songs, the crowd was left enthralled but disappointed that their support slot was over. Jouis is definitely a band we will be keeping a close eye on in the future.
 
Syd Arthur came on stage saying a quick hello and got straight into their first song. Lead singer and guitarist Liam Magill, who fits the progressive rock poster boy image to a tee, straight away showed off his calm yet powerful voice that fitted so well with the bands jazz swing and psychedelic intentions.
 
Although having an unassuming stage presence, it didn’t matter, the mixed crowd was captivated. The younger generation at the front swaying like they were caught in a melodic stupor at Woodstock, and the older members of the audience admiring how tight a show Syd Arthur put on. Raven Bush (yes, he is related) was showing that music runs in his blood by transforming his mandolin and violin away from its conventional norm into a booming but intricate sound.
 
My favourite song of the night was Autograph, which exemplified their odd time signatures giving drummer Fred Rother and bassist Joel Magill, who both looked to be lost in a trance, freedom to jam within their sophisticated arrangements. Fusing together progressive rock and jazz with folk, creating an often melancholic psychedelic pop sound.
 
Even though Syd Arthur had a bike shop of peddles on stage between them, I left the show strangely underwhelmed. Perhaps Jouis had set the bar too high at the beginning of the night. Or, maybe it was the fact that they were nearing the end of a 3 month tour and seemed a little automated. Besides that, they put on a very good show and if they keep pushing and progressing their music, they could become a very special and unique band indeed.
Iain Lauder