The Long Goodbye

Album Review

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The Long Goodbye

Galahad

269

When Stu Nicholson reached out about reviewing Galahad's newest offering, I was taken aback. With "The Last Great Adventurer" still fresh in our playlist at Prog Radio, it seemed early for a "new" album. However, right on cue, almost exactly a year to the day after their acclaimed 2022 release, comes "The Long Goodbye," set to drop on October 20th.

Here at Prog Radio, we're unabashed fans of their previous album, with it still in solid rotation here, so I was excited to listen to their latest creation.

"The Long Goodbye," marking their twelfth studio effort, was crafted before, during, and after the tumultuous times of Covid. Drawing from multiple recording sessions across various locations, the band once again entrusted their tracks to the adept hands of producer/engineer Karl Groom, known for his work with notable bands like Pendragon, Arena, and Yes. The ensemble remains consistent from last year, featuring Stu Nicholson's vocals, Dean Baker on keys, Spencer Luckman on drums, Mark Spencer handling the bass, and Lee Abraham shining on guitars.

“The Long Goodbye” is a definite stand-out for 2023. I had high expectations before listening, and I couldn’t have thought those expectations could be exceeded, but they were.

With a rich legacy of 12 studio albums, "The Long Goodbye" sets a new pinnacle for Galahad. Despite the hurdles posed by the pandemic, this album is a seamless blend of skillful production and exceptional performances. Stu's vocals are in top form, and Abraham outshines himself. The songs are knee-deep in melody while remaining progressive and interesting, the sweet spot for us here at Prog Radio.

Diving deep into diverse themes, this album touches personal chords. The standout is undeniably the epic 13-minute title track addressing aging and the intricate subject of early onset dementia. It's not just a song; it's a masterpiece that is certainly one of my favorites this year.

“The Long Goodbye” is a definite stand-out for 2023. I had high expectations before listening, and I couldn’t have thought those expectations could be exceeded, but they were.

The CD drops on October 20, 2023, with the digital format releasing on November 10, 2023. It'll be accessible on major digital platforms, including Galahad's official Bandcamp (link below). Vinyl enthusiasts, stay tuned; a gatefold sleeve version is in the works for a later release.

Galahad has graciously allowed us to start playing tracks from the album early, so tune in to Prog Radio to check out many of the songs from this incredible album that you likely won’t hear anywhere else for several weeks.

5 Stars!