Long Earth – An Ordinary Life

Since the 1960s, progressive rock has pushed the boundaries of rock n’ roll music to incorporate longer songs, conceptual lyrics and advanced compositions and techniques. Here we have a band that does exactly that, playing progressive rock with influences from the best of 70s/80s/90s rock and pop. The moniker of the band is Long Earth and they’re hailing from Glasgow, Scotland. Current line-up is as follows; Martin Haggarty (lead & backing vocals), Renaldo McKim (electric, acoustic & ambient guitars), Mike Baxter (piano, synthesizers, Hammond C3), David Mclachlan (bass) and Alex Smith (drums & triangle).

An Ordinary Life is their third full-length record that consists of eight lengthy tracks addressing life as a three act play. I find the lyrical content to be intelligent, descriptive and provoking. In other words; the songs cover subjects that all of us can relate to – growing up, leaving home, finding a place in society, having hopes & dreams, finding a partner, political upheaval (war & corruption) family, getting older & loss. These themes are explored across 65-minutes of melodic prog rock, which is listenable, heartwarming and beautiful.

Much as their older collegues from the 70s Long Earth base their instrumentation around guitar, bass, drums, and keyboard, along with a lead vocalist. At times one can even hear some elements of jazz and classical music.

If progressive rock is all about progress and long compositions, then the opening “Fight the Hand that Bleeds You” and fifth song “Shadows” are perfect example of this. Both are running over 10 minutes, with intricate melodies and harmonies. I would describe them as epic tracks as there’re many variations, mood changes, inclusion of different musical genres, including even the elements of pop, jazz and and classical music. There’s this extremely wide dynamic range, with very quiet and very loud passages occurring in the same song. “Morpheus” and “Life” are somehow similar in their approach, where they slow things down a little. The aforementioned jazz elements are present in “Life”. On the following song entitled “Sand” things gets a bit faster again, featuring this massive guitar riffing and soloing. I believe “Sand” is the most bombastic and uplifting track on the album. “Shadows” and its succesor, “Life II – The Arc” are both emotional and amospheric songs. Then comes “Moscow”, a song full on symphonic prog rock fills. “Life III – Then Empty Shore” closes out An Ordinary Life in a fine style being very atmospheric yet demanding piece that requires the full attention from the listener.

In conclusion; An Ordinary Life was an enjoyable and varied journey thought some very well performed melodic/symphonic prog compositions, and these Scottish veteran musicians can be proud of another strong release. Production is warm, clean and varied while the visually attractive and charming cover artwork perfectly fits the musical concept of this five-piece from Glasgow. Their sound is well-structured and it manages to move a listener.

My thanks to vocalist Martin Haggarty (vocalist) & people from Bad Dog Promotions for sending me a copy of the CD. For you our respected readers I only have one message; go and get yourself a copy of An Ordinary Life esp. if you’re fan of Pendragon, Dream Theater, Marillion, Genesis, Pallas, Yes, Rush etc.

For further information on where to get this particular release go to https://longearth.bandcamp.com/album/an-ordinary-life