The Progressive Underground by Kev Rowland –
Gonzo Multimedia (296 pp)
Back in the
pre-internet days of the 80’s and 90’s, when prog was mocked or ignored by the
musical medias, a bunch of die-hard prog fans created what was called fanzines
(a contraction of fans and magazines), the same way as comics and
Science-fiction fans did. That’s the story of Harmonie, Varia, Koid9 and Acid
Dragon in France for instance. In UK, we had Kevin Rowland’s Feedback (I still
have a few copies). Those cheap but serious magazines were a basic source for
the bands which were isolated and could not communicate with their fans and
expand their fandom except through episodic newsletters, and for fans eager to
discover new bands or the new albums by their favourite groups.
Two years
ago, Kev had the excellent idea of collecting the reviews he wrote during the
16 years of the life of this legendary fanzine. Yes 16! When you know the
passion, the integrity of this hard working guy, you easily guess this volume 1
is a reference (yes other volumes will follow!). I should say a real bible written by one of the
prophets who endlessly discovered and supported the new bands born in this new
prog era. By the quality of his writing, he quickly became an important
contributor to our magazine and we are proud of that. The bands selected here
are presented with their best albums, fully illustrated. This volume features
bands from A to K included. I was happy finding big names (Fish, The Gathering,
Hawkwind for instance) but also more ‘obscure’ but talented ones such as Anyone’s
Daughter, Aragon, Asgard, Brassé, Castarnac, Chandelier, Deyss, Flamborough
Head... Kev goes beyond the British Isles which is not so frequent! I even
found some outfits I didn’t know!! Actually, this is the main quality of this
book, highlighting prog’s best kept secrets. Take a ticket to ride to this
gorgeous trip, the prog tube is waiting for you. RR
CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FROM GONZO
 | The Progressive Underground Vol 1 Book - £12.99 |
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