PQR-Disques Plusqueréel to reissue the Bristol based Canterbury-infused Prog band Skywhale‘s 1974 album “The World At Mind’s End,” set for release on May 23, 2025.
Formed in Bristol in 1974, Skywhale quickly became entrenched in their contemporary Prog Rock live circuit. Although they performed regularly in staple venues and events such Ashton Court Festival (1978), the Rock Garden, the ICA in London, Glastonbury and Stonehenge between 1974-1979, they only recorded a one-off gem in 1977, “The World At Mind’s End.” A testament to its members’ musical virtuosity, including Steve Robshaw’s outstanding guitar-playing skills, flutework and violin, Paul Todd on soprano saxophone and Howard Scarr’s expertise with the EMS VCS 3 and ARP Instruments synthesizers, this is an exploration of sonic boundaries between Prog-Rock, with a marked Canterbury feel, and Jazz Fusion, yielding a unique blend that is at the same time melodic and high energy with constant rhythmic shifts that keep the listener alert in each of its unexpected twists and turns. Just figure Caravan and Hatfield & The North at their most melodic in dialogue with Weather Report at their most energetic and you’ll get a glimpse of the 6 mostly over 7-minutes long instrumental compositions that make up this album. The Folkish and occasionally classically inspired passages add substantially to the album’s rich tapestry. Aiming to restore “The World At Mind’s End” to its proper place in the versatile UK 70s Prog scene, this edition features fully remastered versions of the original tracks, includes a 2-page insert with everything you ever wanted to know about Skywhale, and comes in a limited pressing of 400 copies, 200 in black and 200 in splatter vinyl.
Stream the track “Eternal Otimist The Rat” through the YouTube player below:
Stream the track “Budda Garage” through the YouTube player below:
Pre-Order the album here: https://pqrrecords.blogspot.com/2025/04/1st-official-vinyl-reissue-of-skywhale.html
Tracklist:
Epicure
Hydraulic Fever
Two Budda Garage
The World at Mind’s End
Eternal Optimist
Bogies
Skywhale
Lineup:
Steve Robshaw / Guitars, Violin, Roland Guitar Synthesizer
Stan Thewlis / Flute, Tenor Saxophone
Paul Todd / Soprano Saxophone, Flute, Penny Whistle
Dougall Airmole / Bass
Mick Avery / Drums, Percussion
Gwyo Zepix (Howard Scarr) / Keyboards, EMS & ARP Synthesizers
John Schofield / Percussion