This is where it all began… ‘Silent Dance’ is Solstice’s debut album from 1984 and this is the first time since then that it has been reissued on vinyl. Alongside other greats such as Marillion, Twelfth Night, Pallas, IQ and Pendragon, Silent Dance is regarded as one of the most influential albums from the Progressive Rock Revival of the 1980’s…

Let’s be straight: Andy Glass, Solstice’s co-founder, was not entirely satisfied with how the recording originally turned out in 1984. But they were a young band starting out with all the constraints associated with that. With 40 more years of experience and technological developments, Andy Glass has weaved his magic with the remastering of this album. It now sounds exceptional, and it should really be considered a ‘new’ album. All the ingredients are there: progressive rock, folk and new age sounds with strong vocals, soaring melodic guitar solos, plenty of violin and bass pedals.

No better description of those times, now brought into the modern era, comes from a contemporary fanzine: Revelatory Issue 5.

“Afghan coats and embroidered denim, faded, that had obviously seen better days, were in evidence. But the average age of those present was such that the majority probably aren’t old enough to remember the original times. Sandy Leigh (vocals) flitted off and on stage depending on the track. She also took over on keyboards allowing Marc Elton to play his olive-green violin. Maniacally. Frantically. Eyes staring, rolling. Facial contortion. Full of expression. Andy Glass, shoeless, bounced around the stage occasionally playing the stand-mounted double neck guitar. Superbly. Both Mark Hawkins and Martin Wright (bass and drums respectively) supported with skilful musicianship, yet shunned the obvious limelight and attention foisted on the up-front threesome. No self-indulgent drum or tedious bass solos. Solstice had the crowd eating out of their hands.”

Well, those that were there remember now… This is an essential record from that golden era, brought to life with new energy. It’s a must buy for any Solstice fan, old or new.