So it’s a great pity we were denied the opportunity to see them at the Cambridge Rock Festival, at a time when the band were on really good form.

As far as the new recruits are concerned… Now I’ve actually heard the new line-up playing some of the old material, I think it’s plain that there’s a great deal to be excited about. You know I always rated Rachel’s vocals, but Lisa’s arrival provided a much greater range and a good deal more power; similarly, Hayley’s arrival provides even more fireworks. Add in Cagri’s keys – much more ‘modern’-sounding and suited to the material than Gonzalo’s ever were – and Colin’s violin and guitar not only add to the palette available, but also free Ian up for other things. For instance, “The Journey” has never had a bass part when played live, as Ian had to pick up an acoustic guitar to play – with Colin taking on the 2nd guitar part, it frees Ian up to return to the bass. The result is a much bigger, ballsier sound. And that’s even before you factor in Ian’s newly acquired Taurus pedals…

Evolution is a tricky thing. Bands often go through growing pains to get where they need to go, and I think even ian would have to concede that Karnataka have had more growing pains than most. But, just as Lisa’s arrival heralded a sea change, so too the new blood moves things on again. You’ll have to take my word for it until early next year, but there’s a yawning gulf between how the band has sounded playing something like “Heaven Can Wait” in the past, and how they sound now.

The upcoming tour is really going to surprise some people .

I was thinking in terms of the two occasions when Ian has put together what amounts to a complete new band, including a new frontwoman. Unless you are Dream Theater, changing a singer is a bigger deal than changing a drummer.

New songs? Maybe, maybe…