Finnish prog rock group 5th Season releases its debut album on May 5th 2023. For the epic length album the Pink Floyd / Yes / Genesis -influenced group has recruited the vocal talents of Pink Floyd backing vocalist Durga McBroom as well as keyboardist Jukka Gustavson, the founding member of the cult favourite Finnish prog band Wigwam, who were signed by Richard Branson’s Virgin Records in the mid-70’s.

 

Featuring, in classic prog rock style, epic length showcase pieces like the instrumental opener “In Memoriam…” and the suites “On the Dark Side of the Moon, parts 1-2” and “Lay Down / Don’t Wanna Sing Your Blues” as well as more intimate pieces like the Yes -influenced ballad “I Am The Waves” the album is a real treat for all fans of classic 70’s prog rock.

 

As a band 5th Season combines the talents of top musicians in the Finnish rock scene. Bassist and songwriter Mikko Löytty toured Europe in the 80’s and 90’s with blues-rock outfit Q.Stone and has been a stalwart in the Finnish rock scene ever since. Guitarist, composer and award winning producer Tapio Ylinen is well known in Finland for his work with the Pink Floyd tribute act PULSE as well as the Finnish Grammy (Emma award) nominated prog/jazz group Mortality. Keyboardist Arto Piispanen has played with numerous top selling rock artists like Dave Lindholm, Tuomari Nurmio and Ismo Alanko, and drummer Jani Auvinen is also a sought after session man and live player. His credits include audience favourites Uniklubi and folk-rock top seller Pekko Käppi & KHHL.

Formed in 2017 5th Season was originally a live outfit for songs from Ylinen’s and Löytty’s previous solo albums and made its recording debut on Löytty’s solo album “Höyhen” (2018). The group’s upcoming debut album solidifies them as a true band and recording unit. The album is a labour of love that pays deliberate tribute to prog legends such as Pink Floyd, Yes, Genesis and Procol Harum (with influences from The Band and Little Feat thrown in the mix for good measure) while, at the same time, maintaining their own unique sound through strong and original songwriting.

“The original idea of the album was to make music deliberately in the footsteps of all that wonderful classic prog rock that all of us in the band know and love. And what a delight it is to have some of the people from those very same bands collaborate with us! Durga and Jukka not only delivered great performances but also gave very important artistic input to the whole album”, says producer Ylinen.

The self titled debut album will be released on May 5th 2023 on double vinyl LP, CD, streaming and a special limited edition colour vinyl

5th Season: 5th Season

Cat.nr:
ECD-2023185 (CD version)
ELP-202352 (2LP version)

TRACKLIST:
1. In Memoriam…
2. Daylight’s End
3. I Am The Waves
4. On The Dark Side Of The Moon, part 1 (feat. Durga McBroom)
5. On The Dark Side Of The Moon, part 2 (feat. Durga McBroom)
6. Lay Down
7. Don’t Wanna Sing Your Blues (feat. Jukka Gustavson)
8. Desperate Measures (feat. Durga McBroom)

Tapio Ylinen – guitar, vox
Mikko Löytty – bass, vox
Arto Piispanen – keys
Jani Auvinen – drums
feat.
Durga McBroom – vocals & vocal arrangements
Jukka Gustavson – Hammond organ

ISRC
FIECL2300001…007 (tracks 1-7)
FIECL2200206 (track 8)
Release date: 5.5.2023

Music and lyrics:
Tapio Ylinen (tracks 1-3, 8)
Tapio Ylinen & Mikko Löytty (tracks 4-5)
Mikko Löytty & Esa Eloranta (track 6-7)

Producer: Tapio Ylinen
Recording and mixing: Tapio Ylinen / Eclipse Music Studio, Latosound, Tampere
Mastering: Jarno Alho / Alho Audio Mastering

DISTRIBUTION:
Supersounds (Finland)
Galileo Music (Germany)
Xango Music (Benelux area)
Record Heaven (Sweden)
I-DI (RotW)