Stackridge - The Forbidden City

Review by Petya Mladenova

The Forbidden City is an album by the British progressive rock band Stackridge. Released in 1997, it marked the band's return to the music scene after a long hiatus. The album features a mix of new material and re-recordings of some of their classic songs, all of which showcase the band's unique blend of folk, rock, and pop.

The album opens with "The Road to Venezuela," a catchy, upbeat tune that sets the tone for the rest of the album. The song features the band's trademark harmonies, catchy hooks, and intricate instrumentation. Other standout tracks include "Something About the Beatles," a tongue-in-cheek tribute to the Fab Four, and "Lummy Days," a re-recording of one of their most popular songs.

One of the strengths of The Forbidden City is the way it blends old and new material seamlessly. The re-recordings of classic songs like "Lummy Days" and "Do the Stanley" sound fresh and vibrant, while the new material fits in perfectly with the band's established sound.

Summary by Petya Mladenova

The Forbidden City is a strong album that will appeal to both longtime fans of Stackridge and newcomers to their music. It showcases the band's unique blend of folk, rock, and pop, and demonstrates that they still have plenty of creative energy after all these years.