British prog trio Kepler Ten have emerged ‘Two From the Top’ – the band’s first new music offering since their critically acclaimed debut album ‘Delta-V’, released in 2017 via White Star Records.
Boasting a broad and diverse range of influences from the likes of Muse, Rush and Dream Theater to Queensryche, Van Halen and Queen, Kepler Ten scored remarkable success with their debut offering. Performing shows with the likes of Lonely Robot, Von Hertzen Brothers and HRH Prog VI and receiving a nomination in the 2017 UK Prog Awards saw the band quickly generate interest among the prog-loving public – mirrored with the several inclusions in journalist’s top 10 albums of the same year.
Now, with a new album in the works, the trio have released a brand new instrumental video single – a standalone release penned as something of an homage to the British TV show Countdown, from which the track’s title is drawn.
Keplen Ten percussionist and keyboardist Steve Hales comments on the lighter nature of their new single:
“James (Durand, bass and vocals) wrote the track, and we recorded most of it during the sessions for the new album. It was always going to be a bit of fun. It’s nice to have the odd, free song to play around with away from the serious business of album tracks.”
Offering further insight into the single’s connection with the popular TV show (which first aired in 1982), Hales continues; ” For years we’ve occasionally finished random songs live with the Countdown clock riff. While we were goofing around tracking drums it popped its head up again. That was that. The universe had spoken.”
Unfortunately, on 23rd March the country went into a government-issued state of lockdown as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Forcing many music acts – including Kepler Ten – to adjust their approach to music under this new temporary lifestyle, the band were keen to rise to the challenge and see what could be accomplished from their homes. ‘Two From The Top’ was crafted from a flurry of emails, home studio recording sessions and video editing. As Hales puts it, the band’s “lighthearted homage to Countdown and desperate attempt to meet the lovely Rachel Riley was complete”.
Though the track is not pegged to appear on the band’s forthcoming second album, it does offer fans a chance to acquaint themselves with Kepler Ten’s newest member, guitarist Alistair Bell. A professional musician for over 10 years, Bell is a graduate of Musicians Institute in Los Angeles, where he studied contemporary music. Upon arriving back in the UK, he played with numerous bands including Spirytus, Red Sea, Beyond Grace, and he currently also performs with Aeon Zen.
Bell was introduced to Kepler Ten after the band posted an advertisement for a new guitarist following the departure of Mike Tillotson. Having driven three hours to attend an audition, it was Bell’s passion and technicality that stood out for Hales, alongside his ability to perform, quite literally, under intense heat.
“It really was a trial by fire. Alistair played a blinder in a stifling 29 degree venue! We were all very relaxed considering we’d only met once before and there were lots of smiles. That’s a great sign and the crowd took to him straight away.”
‘Two from the Top’ is Bell’s first outing with Kepler Ten as they lead towards a new studio album, which is estimated for release later this year.
On joining the band, Bell comments:
“I feel very honoured to be a part of Kepler Ten. From the moment I first heard their album Delta-v I was hooked, and feel very fortunate to be making new music with such professional musicians. When I first met James and Steve we really hit it off. I genuinely felt like a natural fit from the beginning.”
Kepler Ten’s ‘Two From the Top’ is available to pre-save now, and can be streamed and purchased from Friday 5th June via this link. You can stream their debut album ‘Delta-V’ on Spotify now. For more information on White Star Records artists, visit their website.
KEPLER TEN IS
James Durand – Vocals, Bass, Keyboards, Bass Pedals
Alistair Bell – Guitars, Bass Pedals
Steve Hales – Drums, Percussion, Keyboards
KEPLER TEN ONLINE
