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CELEBRIS

The Knightmoves

Record:VG+/VG+
Cover:VG+
Price: £6.00
Artist: Pallas
Lable: Harvest
Year: 1985
Country: UK
Genre: Rock
Style: Progressive Rock
Catalog: 12 PLS 3
Matrix:12 PLS 3 A-2U-1-1-X1 TOWNHOUSE, 12 PLS 3 B-2U-1-1-X1 TOWNHOUSE

Only 1 left in stock

The Knightmoves is a music release with Phonographic Copyright ℗ and Copyright © held by EMI Records Ltd. and Pallas (2). Published by Athenae Music Publishing Ltd. and Virgin Music (Publishers) Ltd., it was recorded, mixed, and lacquer cut at The Manor and The Town House.

Summary
Slip on your headphones, dust off your turntable, and get set for a sonic adventure with The Knightmoves by Pallas, released in 1985 under the Harvest label (catalog number 12 PLS 3). As a standalone single by these Scottish progressive rock stalwarts, The Knightmoves captures the band in full flight—melding grand storytelling, dramatic synths, and sweeping guitar solos into a thrilling four-track vinyl experience. Released at a pivotal time in their career, this record not only highlights the evolution of Pallas but also mirrors the surge of British prog rock revival in the mid-80s.

About the Artist
Pallas, hailing from Aberdeen, Scotland, first made waves in the early 1980s as part of the so-called “neo-progressive” movement—a lively resurgence that gave new energy to the progressive rock scene, alongside contemporaries like Marillion, IQ, and Pendragon. The band’s early years were marked by a fierce determination to revive the complexity and spectacle of classic prog, all while injecting their raw passion.

The Knightmoves arrived hot on the heels of their now-legendary albums The Sentinel (1984) and Arrive Alive (1981), with vocalist Euan Lowson at the helm. It’s worth noting that the single features both Euan Lowson and new frontman Alan Reed, offering a rare, transitional snapshot in the band’s lineup and sound. Pallas’ unique fusion of rock theatrics, futuristic synths, and literary lyrics set them apart, garnering critical acclaim and a cult following.

About the Record
The Knightmoves vinyl isn’t just another 12-inch single—it’s a bridge between Pallas’ epic narratives and a more streamlined, radio-friendly direction, hinted at by the imminent line-up shift. The record adheres to the band’s signature prog-rock elements: intricate song structures, sweeping keyboard lines, and fearless storytelling. Yet, it does so with the punchier, more melodic hooks that came to define mid-80s rock.

The Knightmoves itself is an exhilarating suite—lush instrumentation, dramatic vocals, and lyrics brimming with chivalric metaphors and modern-day anxieties. The B-side, often featuring tracks such as “Stranger,”  showcases Pallas’ knack for blending grandeur with accessibility.

About the Cover
The cover of The Knightmoves is a visual treat that perfectly complements the record’s thematic depth. Illustrated with a stylized chessboard and a lone knight piece, it evokes both the strategic, high-stakes drama of the music and the cerebral storytelling of classic prog. The artwork, awash in deep blues and metallic greys, hints at the era’s fascination with technology and future-shock, while the medieval motifs nod to Pallas’ penchant for epic tales.

About the Lyrics & Music
Musically, The Knightmoves is an intoxicating blend of neo-prog dynamism and 80s bombast. The title track launches with atmospheric keys and an urgent, galloping rhythm—a fitting musical embodiment of its namesake chess piece’s unpredictable moves. Synths shimmer, guitars soar, and the rhythm section is both nimble and thunderous.

Lyrically, the song rides on metaphors of knights and battles, exploring themes of destiny, strategy, and inner struggle. Vocal interplay between Euan Lowson and Alan Reed adds a unique, textured emotion rarely found in the band’s previous work. “Strangers” takes things darker, with a haunting chorus and a more introspective take on alienation.

Highlight tracks include:

“Strangers”: Moody and introspective, it explores the idea of emotional and social isolation, showing the band’s willingness to embrace both grandiosity and vulnerability.
Throughout the record, Pallas seamlessly blends grand narrative with human emotion, a balancing act that keeps listeners coming back for more.

Conclusion
Looking for a slice of 1980s prog history with a dose of theatrical flair? The Knightmoves is your ticket. Whether you’re a die-hard Pallas fan or a curious collector digging into the neo-prog archives, this record offers a taste of the creativity and adventurous spirit that defined both the band and their era. Its place as a transitional work in Pallas’s discography makes it especially cherished among fans and vinyl enthusiasts—an essential piece for any progressive rock record shelf.

Other Recommendations
If The Knightmoves leaves you craving more, check out these complementary records:

Pallas – “The Sentinel” (1984): A conceptual tour de force, soaked in apocalyptic grandeur and dramatic synth work.
Marillion – “Fugazi” (1984): Another cornerstone of 80s British neo-prog, brimming with emotion and ambition.
IQ – “The Wake” (1985): For more cerebral, atmospheric prog with compelling narratives.
Twelfth Night – “Live and Let Live” (1984): Essential listening for fans of theatrical stagecraft and lush melodies.
The Knightmoves may be a hidden gem, but it’s one that still shines as brightly as Pallas’s most celebrated works.

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