Iona co-founder Dave Bainbridge -- with a resume that also includes the Strawbs, Lifesigns and other worthy bands -- released his ambitious fifth solo album in 2025. On the Edge (of what could be) is a two-disc, 83-minute spiritual journey into Celtic prog, complete with a hefty booklet featuring historical anecdotes about St. Patrick and St. Columba, as well as vocal translations in English, Scottish and Irish Gaelic.
According to Bainbridge’s website, the album explores “the thin veil between this earthly life and the heavenly, mysterious stories of ancient Celtic saints," as well as “the wonder and glory of the natural world.” Along the way, Bainbridge weaves in such topics as climate change and societal division. Yet much of the record is instrumental, allowing Bainbridge to let the music set the mood, often creating sacred and hopeful passages that make for a reflective and cathartic listen.
One of the brightest highlights, however, is a rocker titled “Colour of Time,” propelled by vocalist Randy McStine (Continuum, Steven Wilson, Karmakanic), who delivers with gusto lines like “Visions appear as waking is shrouded/Spirit revealing mysteries unseen/Stones of communion lifting to vistas/Pages enlightening glories to be.” Also worth noting is “Hill of the Angels,” which features bells ringing at its beginning and end -- bells that until recently were buried in Bedfordshire, England, since the Middle Ages and are publicly heard here for the first time in hundreds of years (according to the liner notes).
The album’s lineup of musicians and vocalists is just as impressive. On the Edge (of what could be) includes drummer Simon Phillips (Toto, Jeff Beck, Gary Moore, The Who, Mike Oldfield, Hiromi and more), Uilleann pipes and whistle maestro Troy Donockley (Nightwish, Iona, The Enid, Midge Ure and more), vocalists Sally Minnear (Lord of the Dance, Pendragon), Iain Hornal (Jeff Lynne’s ELO, 10CC), McStine and others, plus more guests.
This is an expressive, evocative listening experience that will remind you of some of Bainbridge’s previous work, as well as echo that of Loreena McKennitt and other artists who transcend categorization in favor of the ethereal and transformative.
Track Listing
CD 1
1. For Evermore
2. On the Slopes of Sliabh Mis
3. Colour of Time
4. That They May Be One
5. One the Edge (Of What Could Be)
6. The Whispering of the Landscape
7. Hill of the Angels
CD 2
1. Farther Up and Farther In
2. Reilig �"dhrain
3. Beyond the Plains of Earth and Time
4. Fall Away
5. When All Will Be Bright
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