There are names that, for true Progressive Rock devotees, instantly evoke a sense of mystery and fascination. Julian Jay Savarin is undoubtedly one of them. A visionary writer, keyboardist and the creative mind behind Julian’s Treatment and the Julian Jay Savarin band, he stands among those rare artists who, in the early 1970s, managed to merge cosmic narrative, poetry and musical experimentation into a unique, literary form of Rock Art. With “Beyond The Outer Mirr,” released by Rise Above Relics in March 2025, a long-overdue act of historical justice has finally taken place. This is an album recorded around the mid-’70s, but never officially released until now — a lost work that has circulated for decades as legend among collectors and Prog historians. Curated by Lee Dorrian and Rise Above Records (in collaboration with Guerssen), this release restores the material with stunning clarity, presenting it in an audiophile-quality remaster and a richly documented booklet that retraces its origins. What emerges is not just a “lost album,” but the missing piece in one of the most imaginative and intellectual stories in the British Progressive canon — an artist who effortlessly blended Psych, Symphonic, and Space Rock into a language suspended between drama, science fiction and transcendence.
“At last, the mirror opens again.“
The album opens with “Age Beyond,” immediately bringing back the signature sound of Savarin’s early masterpieces. A powerful, percussive rhythm section drives the piece, while his evocative keyboards and the unmistakable voice of Lady Jo Meek guide the listener through the first cosmic chapter. Psychedelic guitar inserts enrich the second half, evoking the golden era of early Psych-Prog in its purest form. “Worlds of the Outer Rim” begins with solemn keyboard lines that soon evolve into a rhythmic, mid-’70s Progressive Rock structure. Lady Jo Meek’s vocals once again shine, while the compositions reveal Savarin’s elegant control over tempo shifts, cosmic passages, and melodic tension. The interplay between bass and keys is particularly striking, and the track’s textural depth recalls the grandeur of his finest conceptual works. “Tell Me” opens with atmospheric keyboards and delicate guitar arpeggios, slowly unfolding into a dynamic, multi-layered piece that blends Psych-Prog momentum with symphonic beauty. As always, Meek’s vocals remain a defining element — expressive, haunting and timeless. By the time “Broken Dreams” begins, one realizes the album’s immersive power. This song flows with a melancholic grace, carried by Meek’s emotional delivery over a hypnotic Progressive framework. The mid-section features a moving guitar solo, followed by cosmic keyboards in a stunning exchange of melodic lines — the kind of emotional architecture that defined the golden age of British Prog. “Third From The Sun” starts with psychedelic-tribal rhythms and develops into an elegant blend of experimentation and melodic optimism. Its Symphonic overtones and delicate transitions make it one of the record’s most introspective and cinematic moments. “I Am You” opens with classical orchestrations, bridging baroque influences and experimental synthesis. The result is magnificent: warm, emotional, and deeply refined. The interplay between guitars and keyboards is breathtaking, and the piece stands as one of Savarin’s most sophisticated compositions — blending 1970s nostalgia with forward-thinking artistry. The closing suite “Kizeesh,” stretching nearly thirteen minutes, is a triumph. It begins with strings and guitar in a cosmic dialogue that gradually expands into an epic Progressive journey. The recurring chorus “I am Kizeesh” lingers like an ancient mantra, while the arrangement flows through Heavy Rock, Symphonic grandeur, and celestial ambience — a stunning finale that perfectly encapsulates Savarin’s genius.
“An absolute masterpiece.“
“Beyond The Outer Mirr” is far more than a long-lost relic — it is a late revelation, a missing cornerstone finally restored to its rightful place in the history of British Progressive Rock. I deliberately took time before writing this review, because albums of such magnitude — especially when they surface after fifty years — deserve careful listening, reflection and emotional absorption. This third, long-delayed chapter in Julian Jay Savarin’s discography stands as a rediscovered milestone, a radiant gem confirming once again the visionary brilliance of this multifaceted artist. Thanks to Rise Above Records, we can finally listen, understand and celebrate what was once only myth. A must-have for every Progressive Rock aficionado and collector — not merely an addition to one’s shelves, but a timeless work of art that bridges eras, emotions and cosmic imagination.
Purchase “Beyond The Outer Mirr” here: https://riseaboverecords.com/product/beyond-the-outer-mirr/
Tracklist
01. Age Beyond (3:33)
02. Worlds of the Outer Rim (3:23)
03. Tell Me (4:32)
04. Broken Dreams (4:40)
05. Third from the Sun (4:36)
06. I Am You (7:39)
07. Kizeesh (12:49)
Lineup
Lady Jo Meek / Vocals
Julian Jay Savarin / Keyboards
John Dover / Bass
Nigel “Zed” Jenkins / Guitar
Roger Odell / Drums
[…] A deep dive into one of the most fascinating cult records of early British Progressive Rock — a forgotten gem merging Sci-Fi lyricism and Psych-Prog soundscapes. [Read the full review] […]