Review: The Tangent 'Songs From the Hard Shoulder' (progressive rock)

[@andytangent944]

Many thanks for the time and effort you took to review this album. While I am of course pleased it came out in favour of our recording, it was also really well presented and well considered. I shall be sure to check your reviews of other artists in order to broaden my own listening.

[@Alfred_Domke_antispace-sounds]

Hi Andy! I like your new album. How likely is it that you will play in Germany sometime soon?

[@scottiedoo8200]

The Tangent are one of my favorite bands ever since I heard their track GPS Culture. I have all their albums and have been crowdfunding since PROXY. I also had a chance to see them play at Roxy & Dukes in NJ a few years ago. Totally agree with Pete, you will never get the album after one listen. Takes multiple listens to hear/feel what they are doing. Can't go wrong with any of their releases. Thanks for reviewing Pete!!! Prog on!!!

[@jimhawkes]

Another one to go on the "to buy" list, thanks Pete!

[@thomasbeck2934]

Thanks Pete. I’d not know this was released if not for your Wednesday reviews. Been a fan since day one of this band.

[@diannecarpenter7718]

Thank you, Pete for your review. All the damn time. I will give the new, Tangent release a listen. 🎤🎸🎵🎹🥁 Life is better with music.

[@arnaudb.7669]

Great album with a lot of groove and full of canterbury overtones.The lenghty and brilliant instrumental GPS Vultures clearly leans towards fusion (return to forever?) Excellent 2022 release!

[@CarlosmanuelChavezayuso-gi5qy]

Thanks, my friend 👍

[@jimiswartz2648]

Excited to check this one out

[@richardwillis6936]

I love the way Andy Tillison tells a story, and the band builds a mood around it. Nothing anthemic here, but one hell of a nice ride on this one.

[@RickNBacker]

Good description of their sound.

[@lightanddreamsphotography7140]

I love these guys, and have followed Andy Tillison's work since the 90s, I think he is a genius, and a really nice guy too

[@MrCherryJuice]

Great observations. From the one tune I've heard this band is reminiscent of mid-70s Camel, albeit minus the upfront (and marvellous) guitar of Andrew Latimer. Camel were from Guildford but are often associated with the Canterbury scene, especially when Richard Sinclair (Caravan) was onboard for 'Raindances' and 'I Can See Your House From Here'.

[@SatanStoleMyDevilHorns]

Really need to get this album. Haven't gotten the last one yet, either.

[@CarlosmanuelChavezayuso-gi5qy]

Greatings 👋

[@jason-budney7624]

I've been enjoying this album for a bit. I agree with what Pete says about the music. For me it's an album I need full attention to listen to.

[@hammerheadly]

Just bought a cheap copy on discogs. Recommended!

[@Alfred_Domke_antispace-sounds]

This album is great. One of my favourites in 2022 so far. If you haven't heard it yet, Check it out and the previous albums are also highly recommended.

[@CarlosmanuelChavezayuso-gi5qy]

Have a great day 👋

[@maddysmith8846]

Excellent album - Steven Reid talked very positively about it on Sea but can’t remember which show - Prog in the 2000’s? Inspired me to buy it and very pleased with my introduction to them. Is there a Pardo - Reid ranking show in the offing?

[@garyjoyce2160]

👍💯

[@davidbourne6478]

Slow rust is an excellent album. Good summary of the tangent releases

[@lightanddreamsphotography7140]

Check out Tillison's previous band Parallel or 90 Degrees, they were damn good too :)

[@lazarossamaras4427]

The Tangent are so consistent. You can start with any album.

[@wolf1977]

Tangent is a legendary band & this is their 12th studio album. I've had this one for about 4 months. Is this their best ever? No (for me nothing beats their Roine Stolt albums 2003-05 or Auto Reconnaissance/Proxy), but it's very very good. Shades of U.K. (a really good cover of their "In The Dead Of Night" with a wonderful midsection), plus lots of jazzy symphonic prog that manages to sound current as it draws from heavy/classic 70's influences. Only 5 total tracks & they're all winners, can't really ask for much more than that. I love "The Changes", so melodic with Luke Machin providing fiery closing guitar riffs (we throw around that term 'tasty' but this really is). "The GPS Vultures" contains just enough complexity without overdoing it, it never loses its melodic way - to me that's the best kind of prog. "The Lady Tied To The Lamp Post" is very 'cinematic' in its storytelling. "Wasted Soul" is more straightforward rock that reminds me of more pop-oriented Flower Kings, in some ways my fave track here. So another wonderful 2022 prog album, easily 4.5 out of 5 & probably a bit higher

[@franciskocher200]

😄👍

[@michaosanna]

I think it's useful to mention that The Tangent is also a very political Band. They always broach the issue of an current situation or a relevant subject like Brexit confusion/political idiots like Johnson and Trump or the covid19 lockdowns and it's consequences like on this album.

[@ronsiegel1084]

This album put me to slee xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[@Doviderus]

As far as I know The Tangent is not a band from Canterbury strictly, but they are very keen on bands like Hatfield and the North as you say. I have followed The Tangent since their very beginnings and if I were new to the Canterbury prog music I would suggest "The Rotters Club" album by the masters before trying The Tangent.