Rain + Poke

Rain have poured forth their own mixed emotions in a fascinating cascade of myriad styles and ideas. Rain, as a new band, will mainly attract interest initially due to two notable figures from modern progressive rock, including bassist John Jowitt, previously a long-time member of the legendary IQ, but also Frost*, Arena, Jadis and even as a brief stand-in with Uriah Heep. Alongside him in a stellar rhythm section, Rain features the drums of Andy Edwards, who emerged in Robert Plant’s Priory of Brion band before joining Jowitt in IQ and Frost* in the 2005 to 2009 period.

However, whilst these names will attract attention, it has to be said that the whole band, comprising the talented Rob Groucutt on vocals, keyboards and guitars and the younger excellent guitarist and vocalist Mirron (Webb), also of the band Hey Jester, is clearly a high quality act. Together this new outfit have made an outstanding and remarkably mature debut album.

Trying to define the sound of Rain is challenging. In the space of Singularity they range across sounds in a captivating and sometimes bewildering musical panorama. Anyone expecting a re-tread of more conventional ‘Rock’ and ‘Prog’ tropes need to check their assumptions in at the door and open their minds to a group of musicians who seem intent on fusing sounds and styles with seemingly no concern about remaining constricted by the limitations and predictability of ‘genre’ – Leo Trimming for The Progressive aspect Used with permission

Plus from Portsmouth.

Poke are a UK prog/fusion quartet exactly like nothing else. More likely to be touring Ukraine in -25c than playing more local venues, don’t miss this chance to see this elusive band . Poke have been writing and performing together since the 90s, although as individuals they have all been part of the south- coast underground music scene for about thirty years, featuring in bands such as Dr Brown, Mandragora, Tarrasque & Great Imperial Yoyo. Expect an appetising blend of prog & fusion that’s as powerful as it is melodic….”.