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Kula Shaker


"Pilgrims Progress" is the fourth studio album by English rock band Kula Shaker. It was released on 28 June 2010, more than a decade after their debut. The title is a reference to John Bunyan's allegorical novel, "The Pilgrim's Progress." The album was recorded at State of the Ark Studios, London and produced by the band's lead vocalist Crispian Mills and their bassist Alonza Bevan. From the onset, the band set out to deliver a stripped-down set of songs that emphasized less on the upbeat psychedelia they were famous for, and instead focused on a more introspective and acoustic sound. "Pilgrims Progress" received generally positive reviews from contemporary music critics. The album reached number 75 in the UK Albums Chart, and number 2 in the UK Indie Chart. Its single "Peter Pan R.I.P" got a fair amount of play on British indie stations. Musically, the album is steeped in vintage back-to-basics essence, giving prominence to distinctive raw guitar melodies, slick basslines, and smooth vocal harmonies. Lyrically, the songs explore themes of enlightenment, spirituality, love, and mortality.