UK progressive rock musicians Absolute Elsewhere made two albums in the mid 70’s. However only one of them saw the light of day. Their first album, “In Search of Ancient Gods” was entirely instrumental and combined progressive rock with electronic music. The album was, in fact, very much a musical interpretation of Erich von Däniken’s famous books.
Follow up album “Playground” very different to the previous one in that it featured songs, big soaring melodies and complex arrangements, unfortunately fell victim to the dramatic explosion in Punk culture and so was left unreleased – until now! 2024 saw the album being dusted off, compiled and lovingly mastered for release. Now “Playground” can be revealed in all its intended progressive glory for all true connoisseurs of experimental and atmospheric music!
Intriguing! We spoke to Paul Fishman from the band about this and much more:
Where did the band name ‘Absolute Elsewhere’ come from?
I think Jon Astrop from our band came up with it. We wanted something almost undefinable.
What inspired your prog albums ‘In Search Of ancient Gods’ and the latest one ‘Playground’?
It was just the thrill of being able to make and record music. We also really wanted to learn and experiment in the studio.
‘Playground’ has just come out after many years. Why now?
Why not, better late than never! The masters got dug out the archive earlier this year. The first album recently got sampled by R&B artist Future in the title track of his new album “We don’t Trust You”. Mr Future is rather popular!
What other prog bands/ artists influenced you at the time (1970s)? Are you still influenced by that genre?
Gentle Giant, Genesis, King Crimson, Camel, Weather Report, Mahavishnu Orchestra. We listened to anything we could find and had an insatiable appetite.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Writing answers to these questions. I started earning a living from music while I was still studying composition at the Guildhall School of Music and somehow I have managed to continue making a living from it. The thing is I have made lots of different types of music and had the opportunity to work with lots of wonderful people. It’s all been a highlight.
What other projects do you have coming up?
I am about to release another album from my back catalogue which I recorded with Ped Gill from FGTH. We made it about 20 years ago under the name Ltd Noise. The album is still a cutting edge fusion of Jazz and electronics. In many ways it was so far ahead of its time and is called About 8 minutes of More.
I also have a bunch of single releases in the pipeline of my own material and will be the follow up to my last album “Abnormal”
Tell us something interesting about you we should know!
I have contributed music to something like 200 films and was responsible for producing most of Roy Budd’s soundtracks, including Get Carter.
I have also produced books, including “If I lived My Life Again” written by Winston Churchill.
My aunt was Vera Lynne.
Throughout my career I have continued to write & produce music but for over 25 years I also taught at an acclaimed private school, where many parents were also involved in music.
I am left handed and was born with a rare genetic disease.
Check out the Album on Spotify.
Karen Woodham is the founder and owner of the Blazing Minds. She is also a Cinema reviewer and works with RealD 3D reviewing the latest 3D releases and IMAX, she has also had several articles published in various publications including the first edition of SFW Magazine. In 2015 she became an Award Winning Blogger and also has her website listed as one of the UK’s Top 10 Film Blogs.
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