ILK

ILK are a progressive rock band featuring Richard Youngs and Andrew Paine.

Their first album, ‘Zenith’ was released in 1998 on Richard’s ‘No Fans’ label.

Zenith

“If Pulse of the Rooster (Richard Youngs & Simon Wickham-Smith) headed in the direction of progressive rock, here was Richard’s first full-blown attempt at mastering the form. Zenith got most everything right, from the opening proclamations about “gorse tapestries” from Youngs’ father, to the multi-part suites dotted throughout the album, the occasional dips into languid melancholy (the beautiful “When Falling” is one of Youngs’ finest melodies), and the dramatic, heart-winding conclusion to “Decrease,” where Youngs cries out, “last night, I dreamed of the ocean,” against huffing tone-float. Even the artwork, with its standing stones, worked. There’s no irony here, just genuine love for an oft-maligned genre. Andrew Paine, co-lyricist on Zenith, would join Youngs on four subsequent Ilk albums, but Zenith sets out the project’s store most potently.” Jon Dale (writing on ‘A Guide To Richard Youngs’ for Red Bull Academy)

Canticle

ILK’s second album, ‘Canticle’ was released on VHF records in 2004.

” Outrageous album of prog rock from Richard Youngs and Andrew Paine’s ILK. Canticle is a long promised follow-up to the group’s 1998 CD Zenith, which was released on Richard’s No Fans label. Unlike Richard’s more “minimalist” solo records, Ilk drapes his songs and voice in thick layers of heavy jams, and then piles on the production tricks, vocal layers, Steve Howe-style leads, synth bleeps, and other racket in beautifully intricate arrangements. Canticle is clearly influenced by the classic UK progressives but unmistakably contemporary. “A Guiding Principle” and “Landsong” marry Richard and Andrew’s multi-tracked voices with over the top full rock-band arrangements. “Honour’s Prospect” mixes mystical narration with some searing fuzz-guitar leads, and is followed by the bass-heavy march of “The Weight of Stars.” “Tilling” shimmers and echoes, leading into the spacey and cosmic “Outward & Homeward.” The folky “Of Souls” serves as a fittingly simple epilogue to the suite. Veronica Rennie’s cover art completes the package in highly appropriate style.” VHF Records

https://richardyoungs-vhf.bandcamp.com/track/landsong-walking

Language Of The Court

ILK’s third album was ‘Language of the Court’ released on Andrew Paine’s label, Sonic Oyster Records, in a limited first and second edition of 50 CDR. (SOLD OUT)

Panegyric Territories

ILK’s fourth album was ‘Panegyric Territories’ and was released on Andrew Paine’s label, Sonic Oyster Records, in a hand numbered edition of 100 CDR. (SOLD OUT)

Glitterfish

ILK’s fifth album was ‘Glitterfish’ released in 2017, (digital format) on Dave Barker’s Glass Miniature label.

“Eight years on from their ‘Panegyric Territories: Volume 1’, ILK reconvene to bring you ‘Glitterfish’. Though reduced to organ and drum machine, the signature sound is intact. 

Over two extended pieces, a clear statement of synergy is revealed, suggesting more of less. 2017 is upon us.” 

https://glassminiature.bandcamp.com/track/robot-trees-in-time