After sweeping the board at Prog magazine’s annual awards for the past couple of years, and with appearances including Glastonbury and Fairport’s Cropredy Convention, Solstice look like a meteoric overnight sensation.

By Oz Hardwick

The truth, however, is more of a long haul, as the band was formed back in 1980, and put in the miles around the then-thriving club and university circuit – though inexplicably missing York.

Scooped into the “Progressive Rock Revival” bag by the media, they played the same bills and appeared on the same music paper covers as Marillion and their contemporaries but always stood out. Where ‘80s prog embraced doom and gloom, Solstice were resolutely uplifting, with prominent fiddle adding a bucolic, folky touch which set them apart.

Though courted by EMI and others, they never fit the mould others wanted to impose, and the band became very much a part-time concern as other avenues opened. Until, that is, the pandemic reset so many priorities and Solstice returned, with new vocalist Jess Holland, and have subsequently released a trilogy of acclaimed studio albums, as well as two live records.

Solstice live is a unique experience. As founding guitarist Andy Glass says, “at our very first show we felt an unexpected warmth from the audience and, in the many years since, that sense of connection has only continued to grow. For a musician there is nothing more rewarding.”

It’s very much a two-way appreciation. Contemporary prog giant Steven Wilson is just one of many fans who go back to the days of the legendary Marquee club and succinctly sums up the appeal: “I loved them then and I love them now … it’s a life-affirming, joyous sound.”

They will finally be bringing that joyous sound to York on 20 August at The Crescent. Not to be missed.