Expecting Different Results is the debut studio album by the melodic progressive rock band Stoggam. Nothing strange, you might think. But it is when you realize that it took 49 years before their first album was released. The band was founded in 1977 as Maggots, but ultimately no album was ever released. Until May 2026, after founder Peter Fallowell wrote a song in 2022 that perhaps reminded him of his former band mates from Maggots. This was the well-known spark that caused the band to become active again after the song Feel Life was recorded together. But unfortunately, because there was already a band with the name Maggots, a new name was chosen: Stoggam. The reverse of their original band name. Before I tell you a bit more about the album, it is wise to introduce the band: Peter Fallowell - Composition, Drums/Percussion, Rhythm Guitars, MPhonic Orchestra and 'Lead Voice'. John Duffy - Solo and Rhythm Guitars, Voice. Martin Lawrie - Keyboards, Voice. Dave Harding - Bass, Voice. The name Peter Fallowell may sound familiar to some people. In 2008, he released Multifuse's outstanding debut album titled Journey To The Nesting Place. An album that also took a long time to finally be released—sixteen years, to be precise. As for the other names, I must unfortunately admit that I do not know any of them from other musical projects. Perhaps it has been the case that they have also worked on other musical projects over the past 49 years. I must honestly admit that waiting for their debut was certainly worth it. Especially because they have released a great-sounding album that captivates from start to finish. Expecting Different Results was written and recorded and over three years in home studios across France and the United Kingdom. Because the album was mastered at London's historic Air Studios by renowned engineer John Webber it has a great audio sound. The seven tracks are truly well-thought-out songs where a lot is happening and therefore deserve to be listened to repeatedly. Naturally, you can hear the influences mentioned in the bands infosheet, such as Magma, King Crimson, Weather Report, Yes, Genesis, and Can. But I must also admit that the music is most reminiscent of the well-known Canterbury bands from the seventies: Gong, Caravan, Hatfield And The North, National Health, Matching Mole etc. There are also plenty of musical highlights to be found on this beautiful album. Just listen to the band's first single, which opens the album. Feel Life is a beautiful, up-tempo, heavy, guitar-oriented track. Sometimes reminding me of King Crimson. But it is the last four songs in particular that stand out. We Carry On, In The Nick Of Time and Wonderful (with a majestic ending) for the most Canterburry influences. And the 15 minutes long epic How Do You Put Up With This? / What Can They Say? in which band shows how good they really are by using various different tempo changes and time signatures. As for the theme of the album, I can tell you that generally the whole album is about human observations with some questions. The musicians responsible for this beautiful album can look back with pride at what they have accomplished. After years of staying in touch and ending up in different countries, they probably didn't expect to be holding a physical album in their hands at such a late age. Naturally, we are now hoping for a quick follow-up featuring equally strong material. I have every confidence that this will turn out well. But for now, I'm playing Expecting Different Results one more time because the music on it sounds so beautiful. Highly recommended to all Canterbury enthusiasts!!! **** Henri Strik (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen) Where to buy? |
