On The Edge (Of What Could Be) is already the fifth solo album by British multi-instrumentalist and Iona co-founder Dave Bainbridge. Most lovers of progressive rock music consider this ambitious double album, as one of the musical highlights of 2025. And I can only agree with them! This excellent album blends progressive rock, Celtic folk, jazz rock, fusion and classical influences in a perfect way. I guess you can't almost ask for anything more. I will try to tell you why! First let me tell you that the record explores spiritual and environmental themes, including the "thin veil" between earthly and heavenly life, ancient Celtic history, and modern societal divisions. It features an extensive cast of guest musicians including on drums the well known Simon Phillips. Without any doubt one of the best drummers around. On vocals Dave managed to find some excellent guests. The album features seven distinct vocalists, with lyrics sung in English, Scottish Gaelic, and Irish Gaelic. What about Sally Minnear, Iain Hornal, Randy McStine, Rachel Walker, and Ebony Buckle? Could have been worse couldn't it? Furthermore, Dave is joined on the album by some excellent players as well. I guess if you have Troy Donockley (Uilleann pipes/whistles), David Fitzgerald (saxophones, flute, and tin whistle), Jon Poole (bass), and Frank van Essen (violin) on your album you should be very lucky! Of course, we should not forget on what instruments Bainbridge gets his fingers moving himself. The list is almost endless but here are the instruments he used to create such beautiful music; electric, 6 & 12-string acoustic guitars, bouzouki, mandolin, keyboards, synthesizers, piano, various percussion. The album spans 83 minutes of music divided over two discs. So, there is a lot to enjoy. The album is noted for its "atmospheric, spiritual, and powerful" sound that weaves together acoustic warmth with soaring electric guitar lines and rich orchestral textures. I will try to tell you what you can find on the twelve excellent tracks music wise. This way you might get an even better impression of this excellent double album. CD1: 1. For Evermore short - A short tune with an intro played on the keyboards and with excellent female vocals from Rachel Walker, Sally Minnear, Susie Minnear, Ebony Buckle . Beautiful atmospheric and ethereal sounds create a meditative opening! 2. On The Slopes Of Sliabh Mis - Now it really gets started with a folk/jazz rock up tempo tune. The musical influences of David Sancious are notable. The reels sound like Iona in their best days. Featuring Troy Donockley's Uilleann pipes. The melodies are beautiful, and the music sounds pleasantly open. 3. Colour Of Time - A Spock's Beard/ Toto kind of track with great vocal and guitar parts which move the music towards a style of jazz rock and fusion as well. The strong lead vocals are done by Randy McStine and Rachel Walker. 4. That They May Be One - A short mellow instrumental with string synths and to finish it off with an excellent guitar solo. 5. On The Edge (Of What Could Be) - Starts as a song orientated tune with strong male vocals from Iain Horner. A nice guitar solo is included as well. The reels again sound like Iona. Troy Donockley shines again on the Uilleann Pipes. 6. The Whispering Of The Landscape - Short acoustic guitar piece which is very beautifully done. 7. Hill Of The Angels - The longest track on the first disc. A track with many up tempo and mellow parts. Again, you can enjoy excellent keyboard and guitar. Influences of David Sancious and maybe even UK are recognizable. The strong lead vocals are done by Iain Hornal and Sally Minnear. Without any doubt the musical highlight of the first disc! CD 2: Farther Up And Farther In - An almost instrumental sounding tune because of the kind of wordless vocal parts done by Sally Minnear. It has strong Iona kind of reels but also again David Sancious kind of jazzrock/ fusion musical elements. I guess I don't have to mention the excellent guitar parts because we all know his playing is out of this world! 2. Reilig Òdhrain - One of the two long epic pieces of music on the second disc. With Iain Horner and Rachel Walker sharing together strong lead vocals. But also, Ebony Buckle contributes here strongly. Excellent guitar jazz rock combined with spiritual music with a Gaelic touch and beautiful melodies and atmospheres. The sacred atmosphere it evokes is fantastic. This song evokes once again the enchantment of Iona. What Bainbridge does at the end of the song is truly beautiful. A Yes kind of beautiful climax. 3. Beyond The Plains Of Earth And Time - Another instrumental. This time around a mellow piece of music with Frank van Essen in the spotlight by playing violins and violas. Halfway Dave takes over with an emotional guitar solo. 4. Fall Away - Here is jazz rock/ fusion/ prog/ folk combined on one excellent epic piece of music on which Sally Minnear and Iain Hornal sing superbly. Included are excellent guitar parts and delicate melodies. With once again an ultimate musical climax at the end. Probably the musical highlight on the second disc! 5. When All Will Be Bright - The album ends spiritually and atmospherically with a rather mellow tune, in the way Iona could have done it. With excellent lead vocals by Rachel Walker. So, there you go you. Hopefully it gives you an overall impression what to expect on both discs music wise. Next to the excellent music on both discs you also will get a very beautiful booklet that comes with this release. The booklet for On the Edge (Of What Could Be) is a substantial, multi-page companion to the double album, designed to deepen the listener's "spiritual journey" through the music. The booklet features extensive historical notes and stories about ancient Celtic saints, specifically St. Patrick and St. Columba, reflecting the album's themes of the "thin veil" between the earthly and heavenly worlds. Since the album features singing in English, Scottish Gaelic, and Irish Gaelic, the booklet includes translations to help listeners follow the lyrical narratives. It contains lyrics that address both ancient spiritual mysteries and contemporary concerns like climate change and societal divisions. As for the photography. The visuals include a beautiful cover photo by Gareth Wray and musician portraits by various photographers. This all together makes the overall artwork a delight to read and watch! As you may have gathered from the info mentioned above, there is simply nothing to complain about regarding Dave's new album. The music is more than okay, and visually, everything looks just top-notch. That is why this album (with a mix of progressive rock, Celtic folk, jazz rock, fusion, and classical influences) is highly recommended to everyone. Especially if you enjoy the music of Iona, UK, Yes, and David Sancious, this album is simply a must-buy. It is simply pure enjoyment once again what Bainbridge presents on this excellent double album. So perhaps double the enjoyment this time! Sometimes it just doesn't get better than what you hear on On The Edge (Of What Could Be)!!! ****+ Henri Strik (edited by Dave Smith) Where to buy? |
