Short Reviews [Jamie Parker - 2025 - "Do You Dream of Luminous Things?"]

I am always impressed when an artist seeks me out personally to ask if I will listen to their latest release and given that Jamie already has three very positive reviews from collaborators on PA, he has obviously been doing his homework, and all power to him for doing so. Some musicians seem to feel that once they have released an album it will be discovered and they will be feted by all, but the reality is that even the most prolific reviewer doesn't take all the music they have been offered, let alone going out and seeking even more. This is the debut album from Jamie, who provides lead vocals and guitar, and he has with him a band who he has obviously been working with for a while. Piano is so important here that I guessed (wrongly) that this was his main instrument and was intrigued to see it was not. This is a very English sounding album, and in many ways it reminds me of some of Guy Mnanning's earlier releases, which is not what one really expects from a modern progressive musician - he is very much working to his own muse as opposed to attempting to follow prog fashion (whatever that is), the result being something which had far more breadth and depth than one normally expects. The album opens with a multi-sectioned number which is more than 17 minutes in length, quite brave for anyone, let alone on a debut album, but it definitely works (love the section where the sax comes in and really makes its presence felt). This song alone contains psychedelia, grunge, prog, pop and much more, and one can soon get lost inside. One of the real highlights is the dramatic and very unexpected "A Place I Can Disappear". Here we have a female voice telling us a short story of what happens to her and her brother, with the music perfectly providing the backing and support - reminding me in no small way of Hibernal, as the combination of the different artistic elements are perfectly aligned and in sync. Overall this is a very compelling and interesting album, and it will be intrigued to see what Jamie comes up with next, but I for one will be keeping a very close eye on future output as this is very impressive indeed.