Scottish quintet recapture the melodic magic of their earlier catalogue following a decade of absence due to the sad death of keyboardist Carey Lander. They drift in an ethereal space somewhere between country rock and prog not unlike the Flaming Lips. Its widescreen with the emphasis on piano, synthesizers, Hammond organ and drum machines. There are tinges of soul and bittersweet baroque. The guitars shimmer while Campbell’s voice reflects on love and loss.
Using fragments of unreleased instrumentals plus newer songs that Anderson began writing shortly after the release of RokFlote in 2023, Jethro Tull settles into their 21st-century creative roll. While there's no doubt they are recalling their past, there's a new energy here too, thanks to the yonger band members. Making his recording debut with the band is guitarist Jack Clark. And what a debut. He shines. Inspired and poignant, this is quality and relevant Prog from a legendary band.