BRAM STOKER’S – COLD READING

With over 22 excellent reviews in the music industry press – Bram Stoker’s ‘Cold Reading’ is a must for those fans of classic-symphonic-gothic prog. See a recap of reviews below – Digital purchases here.

“It’s all rather beautiful in a gothic way…still symphonic but warmer and more assured – suggests they’ve much to offer the prog revival.” Full review in January 2014 issue of PROG.

“BRAM STOKER are back for another bite! – illusion weavers return to find their old glory and find the devil in the spectacular detail…The cold reading technique – which is an art in itself – demands attention as does this psyche-searching, and soothing, album. Hopefully, given the band’s current strength, it’s a new beginning, and there’ll be more.” – Let It Rock

“Wow! One of my favorite albums of the year already….This album must be experienced to be fully appreciated. I have attempted to capture the spirit, but only hearing it yourself will truly register the dynamic power of this album.” Read this excellent, detailed review by Mark Johnson at Sea of Tranquility and his  interview with Tony Lowe and Tony Bronsdon on the Bram Stoker project.

“The thing that’s makes this album slightly unusual is that band are allowed to show off their musical ability by including five tracks with vocals and five instrumental tracks” continued…”demonstrating that this trio of musicians are supremely talented and deserve every ounce of success.” Continued – Metal Talk

“This is a very enjoyable album, with well constructed songs and great guitar finesse…this may have been an exceptionally long time in coming, but it is worthwhile none-the-less.” – Guitar Techniques

“Another striking feature of the album is that the quality is maintained throughout….it will appeal to anyone schooled in early 1970s prog (or early 1980s prog come to that) who likes a bit of Hammond organ in their music. For a man of my tastes, ‘Cold Reading’ is an unmitigated pleasure; a surprise and a joy.”  – More at Uber Rock

‘“Cold Reading” is an amazing achievement – right down to its psychedelic occult Crowley-esque album cover – given I can’t think of any authentic band from that era who are still playing true to that early style…Bram Stoker have unfinished business and this time the prog world should be rocked to its foundations…this is hardcore prog by the original purveyors of it!’  – Read the rest of this review at Battle Helm

New review of Cold Reading up in the April 2014 issue of ROCK SOCIETY.

“Their take on neo-prog is both flamboyant and melodic” – Classic Rock 

FOR JAPANESE FRIENDS: New interview of Tony Bronsdon and Tony Lowe in Euro Rock Press – Vol. 61

FOR POLISH FRIENDS: Thank you Artur Chachlowski for the airplay of ‘Cold Reading’ on MLWZ and this excellent review of the album – translation – Bram Stoker Review.

FOR GERMAN FRIENDS: Many thanks to Jurgen Meurer for his review in Empire Magazine No. 104 and his review in Babyblaue-Seiten – translation here.

FOR ITALIAN FRIENDS: An interview with Tony Bronsdon and Tony Lowe by Eduardo Vitolo in il Mondo Di Edu  and a new review in CLASSIX METAL & CLASSIX! Magazines by Eduardo Vitolo

FOR FRENCH FRIENDS:  BRAM STOKER – COLD READING in Highlands Magazine

“That said this is from the decidedly more melodic/ symphonic keyboard led end of the proggy scale (think Alan Parsons or Camel) but, probably because they were there at the get-go, it also sounds incredibly authentic, like the 1974 follow up that never was.”  – TM Online

“The original member Tony Bronsdon (keys) and guitarist Tony Lowe have fashioned a contemporary sounding album whilst still respectful of their heritage…The album is a really good listen and errs on the gentle but persuasive side of prog with a mix of instrumentals and vocal tracks, just like that debut…Prog fans will really appreciate the subtle nuances, and the excellent vocals of new recruit Will Hack (who also plays drums).”  – Get Ready to ROCK!

“BRAM STOKER is an interesting band from the Early British Progressive Rock Movement (like JULIAN’S TREATMENT, GRACIOUS, FANTASY, RARE BIRD, etc.) featuring great Hammond organ work and fiery electric guitar play. The climates often have dark overtones.”  – Free Prog Rock FB Page

“Just in case you missed them first time around (and you did), they’ve re-recorded a couple of oldies in the shape of ‘Fast Decay’ and ‘Fingal’s Cave’, and it says a lot for the new tunes that you can’t see the join. If you’re looking for a marker, then imagine Genesis had been formed by the Artful Doger and his mates, rather than a bunch of posh boys. There’s grit in them grooves. A stunner of an album, and one of the best prog records you’ll hear all year.” – The Rocker

“Pleasant and engaging prog that veers between mid-era Genesis (before they went too far down the pop road) and classic neo-prog with layers and layers of more subtle, yet rich, synths complimented by some lovely guitar flourishes and a vocal performance that is not too dissimilar to Mr. Collins in places.” – Powerplay Magazine

“With Cold Reading you have an album that the classic prog purists will be salivating over with its mix of timeless movements and traditionally styled songs successfully captivating your attention as its mix of sweeping sounds envelops you with its carefully blended mix of synth based sounds, perfectly recreating that original progressive sound from all those years ago.” – Firebrand – Issue No. 15 

German review in Babyblaue-Seiten – translation here.

“Utilising a clever mix of instrumental and vocally driven tunes increases the infatuation throughout the album’s ten songs…” – Mass Movement Magazine

“Just heard the trailer for the new and long-overdue Bram Stoker album. The clarity of production is first class, clear and crisp, and very welcome given modern-day electro-gimmickry, little of which I expect to find when listening to the complete works. These guys have created a warm, positive soundscape to match an interesting variety of new tracks. Music from the heart, the prog influence is there for all to hear and this is no bad thing. Great sounds from a band of talented musicians who I’d personally love to see perform the album live.” Dave Dyment – UK

“Wow super impressive, sounds like you’re definitely hitting the sweet spot there! Definitely an exciting and inspirational modern rebirth of the genre.” Miklos Power – Australia

“This is first class prog at its best!” Nick Katona President – Melodic Revolution Records

Bram Stoker Tracks are being played on the following radio stations:

• Ems Vechte Welle – Germany – ‘Rock Art’ with Stephen Glück
• Radio Floyd Progressive Rock – France with Guy Geisert
• Progdependent/afk max – Harry Schmidt – Playlist
• MLWZ Poland – Artur Chachlowski
• Cuillin FM Jim Lawson – The Ancient One
• Stafford Radio – The Prog Mill Shaun Geraghty’s Prog Show
• Get Ready to Rock Get Ready to Rock – Playlist
• Radio Base – Moshpit (Italy)
• Radio Caroline Tim Charles – Magic Carpet Ride
• Radio Seagull Garry Lee – The Overflow
• River Gibbs Garry Lee – The Overflow
• Starship Overflow Garry Lee – Starship Overflow
• Tameside Radio Alan Ovington’s – The Rock Zone
• United in Prog with DJ Tony United in Prog with DJ Tony
• Aii Radio Brian Dade & Nick Katona Prog Shows

THE ROCK SHOW  PLAYLIST – Heard On: Trent Sound (Nottingham) – Sine FM 102.6 (Doncaster) – Severn FM 107 (Gloucester) – The Voice (North Devon) – United FM – Atlantic Radio UK – Voice Of Peace (Israel) – More Music Radio 97.1 (Spain) – Radio Shamal (Italy) – Radio FML – YouthFeverRadio (Aruba)

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