Refestramus Announce New Album “Morri’s Rock Boutique”

Refestramus will return with their third studio album, Morri’s Rock Boutique, a nine-track release scheduled for March 20, 2026, via Melodic Revolution Records. The album will be available for pre-order starting February 20, 2026, and will be released in Hi-Res digital download, CD, and across all major streaming platforms.

All pre-orders will include an immediate download of the advance single “Tonight, Tonight, Tonight, Tonight, Tonight” (feat. Lynx).

Entering its most ambitious era to date, Refestramus expands its sonic and visual universe with Morri’s Rock Boutique, a surreal desert-western dreamscape filled with ferris wheels, neon temples, and wandering ghosts of memory. The album blends cinematic atmospheres with adventurous progressive rock, pushing the band’s storytelling and musical depth further than ever before.

Morri’s Rock Boutique features standout contributions from Jan Christiana and Dyanne Potter Voegtlin (Octarine Sky), along with notable guest performances by David Jackson (Van der Graaf Generator), Rick Witkowski (Crack the Sky), Joe Deninzon (Kansas), Lynx (Old Blood), and Japanese vocalist Nam Chumo.

Morri’s Rock Boutique will be available worldwide on March 20, 2026.

Track-list:
1. Storms 04:33
2. Cossacks Dream (feat. Joe Deninzon) 05:37
3. Tonight, Tonight, Tonight, Tonight, Tonight (feat. Lynx) 07:37
4. Lakeview Samurai (feat. Nam Chumo) 04:15
5. Hell or NYC (feat. David Jackson) 06:02
6. Deathless (incl. Above Volkov’s Mill, Goodbye America! and He Always Will 08:32
7. The Lucky Ones (feat. Rick Witkowski) 04:21
8. Wasteland, pt1 04:19
9. Another Country 04:02
Total Running Time: 47:98 Minutes

Musicians
Ian Beabout – Production, Mixing, Mastering, and Screaming “Watch out for the katana!”
Derek Ferguson – Drums and Screaming “Hey buddy, shut the fuck up!”
Mitch Lawrence – Clarinet and Saxes

Associated Artists – Special Guests:
Jan Christiana – Bass, Guitars, Keyboards, and Vocals (Tracks 1-3, 5-7)
Dyanne Poter Voegtlin – Keyboards and Vocals (Tracks 1-3, 5-7)
Dyanne Voegtlin and Jan Christiana appear courtesy of Octarine Sky
octarinesky.com
Arrangements by Refestramus and Jan Christiana
Derek Pavlic – Additional Guitars (Tracks 1-4) and Viola (Track 2)
Dan Bozek – Additional Bass (Track 4)
Tanaka Seijin ( ⽥ 中 正 ⼈ – Shamisen, Koto, and Shakuhachi (T r a c k 4 ）
Cover art by Refestramus and Veseli ć &Veseli ć
Produced by Ian Beabout and Refestramus

All words and music by Derek Ferguson, except:
“The Cossack’s Dream” – traditional Russian song, lyrics translated by Derek Ferguson

Mixed and Mastered by Ian Beabout at ShedSounds Recordings
Recorded Feb-May 2025: Aardvark Productions & The Rec Room, Steubenville, OH: Studio L, Weirton, WV; Uberwald Elektroakustik Chicago, Il
Engineered by Ian Beabout, Jan Christiana, Dan Bozek, and Rick Witkowski
©2025. Published by Refestramus Music Publishing.
Licensed to and Distributed by Melodic Revolution Records

Configuration:
Limited Edition CD housed in a full-color mini-LP style jacket
Hi-res Digital Download & Streaming

Additional Info
Release Date:  March 20, 2026
Catalog Number: MRRCD 22243

File Under:
Rock/Progressive/Art Rock

May appeal to listeners of:
Sparks, Crack the Sky, Talking Heads, Miley Cyrus, Last Dinner Party

Refestramus Online:
Facebook: https://facebook.com/refestramus
Bandcamp: https://refestramus.bandcamp.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/refestramus/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@refestramus
Twitter: https://twitter.com/refestramus

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“Goodbye, America” New Single by Refestramus

 

Credits and Album Cover for "Morri's Rock Boutique"

 Airport Incident After Festival Performance

Becomes Tipping Point for Politically-Charged New Release

Chicago-based progressive rock project Refestramus announces the release of its new single, “Goodbye, America,” arriving January 2, 2026. The song is an explicit political statement that confronts empire, sanctions, and moral blowback, drawing on mythology and lived experience to ask hard questions about power and accountability.

At the center of the song is Kashay Besmertny, a figure from Russian folklore whose “deathless” power comes from hiding his soul outside his own body. Derek uses him as a metaphor for empires that can no longer feel the human cost of their actions.

Refestramus returned to the United States from Heathrow Airport in November after performing at the UK progressive rock festival HRH Prog 15, where the band performed with acclaimed progressive musicians including David Jackson (of classic prog act Van der Graaf Generator) and Alex Hutchings from Steven Wilson’s touring band.

Following the performance, Refestramus founder Derek Ferguson was involved in a routine customer-service dispute at Heathrow that escalated when a comment about documenting the interaction online was recorded as “threatening.” No safety or security incident occurred, but the experience proved formative.

“What struck me wasn’t the inconvenience,” Ferguson says. “It was how quickly ordinary speech can now be reclassified as ‘threatening’ in environments shaped by preemptive harm-prevention frameworks that can unintentionally normalize intimidating behavior within authority structures. In combination with similar dynamics playing out elsewhere, you realize how easily systems meant to protect people end up allowing some people to exercise power over others.”

Ferguson adds that the moment resonated precisely because it echoed concerns closer to home, “not across borders.”

The band stresses that the incident itself is not the story, but rather a real-world illustration of the themes explored in “Goodbye, America,” which addresses the human cost of sanctions, displacement, and moral distance.

Lyrics include:
Mothers left out on the street,
Your sanctions left no food to eat.
America, the things you do —
I see now they’re coming back to you.

“Goodbye America” features Octarine Sky’s Jan Christiana (vocals, keyboards, guitars, and bass) and Dyanne Potter Voegtlin (keyboards and vocals), and bandleader/writer Derek Ferguson (drums).

“Goodbye, America” is the central movement of a longer ten-minute composition on the forthcoming album “Morri’s Rock Boutique” titled “Deathless,” which uses the Kashay myth to trace how unchecked power ultimately consumes even those who wield it.

“Goodbye, America” will be released as a standalone single on January 2, 2026. The album “Morri’s Rock Boutique,” which is produced by Ian Beabout, follows on March 20, 2026.  

“Deathless” will be available on streaming media on March 6.

Fan Link  https://fanlink.tv/goodbyeAmerica

“Goodbye, America” lyrics

By Refestramus

So many people died, and what was it all for?

The parts they played in America's war.

Our lives are prisons – we will never be free,

And our cells are made with magic

that’s so strong you cannot see.

As if taken by Kashay Besmertny,

America you’ve gotten so hard to see.

It seems as if with every war,

You vanished just a little more.

Mothers left out on the street.

Your sanctions left no food to eat.

America, the things you do

I see now are coming back to you.

C 2026 Derek Ferguson/Refestramus Music Publishing (ASCAP), All Rights Reserved

About Refestramus:
Refestramus is a Chicago-based progressive rock project blending literate songwriting, political reflection, and classic prog influences. The band’s work explores power, memory, displacement, and moral responsibility in an increasingly rule-saturated world.

For more information:
https://refestramus.com
https://refestramus.bandcamp.com

Emmy Award Winning Guitarist Brian Tarquin's “Vegas Blue” In Memory of Las Vegas Tragedy

Featuring guest artists Steve Morse, Trey Gunn, Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal, Phil Naro, Hal Lindes, Tony Carey and others!

Las Vegas, Nevada, Mandalay Bay Hotel, October 1st, 2017. This was the site of a tragic and, all too familiar, occurrence involving a deadly mass shooting at the hands of a deranged gunman. What began that evening as a peaceful and celebratory country music concert ended in bullet-riddled chaos and carnage for countless patrons and innocent by-standers. This latest recording project by multi-Emmy winning guitarist/producer/engineer Brian Tarquin and company is dedicated to helping the families and survivors of this horrific mass shooting. And, in doing so, may also shine the spotlight on the need for sensible, responsible and humane gun laws and safety.

Says Brian, “This release is dedicated to the victims of the tragic events that occurred at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas October 1, 2017. All of our hearts and prayers go out to them and their families. Through this music we have tried to creatively express our deepest feelings.”

If music is, indeed, a supreme healer then one needs look no further than this visionary endeavor. And, as with many of Tarquin’s previous charitable compilations, the material, guest stars and production is first rate. From start to finish the listener is transported to that fateful evening, yet uplifted through the power of these stellar performances.

Says Brian, “Time after time we watch senseless acts of gun violence in the news media creating a sense of indifference in our consciousness. We musicians have come together to bring emotion and awareness through our performances.”

Multi Emmy Award winning Brian Tarquin is an established top rate composer/guitarist. He has won 3 Emmy's for “Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction and Composition for a Drama Series” and has been nominated for an Emmy 6 times. In 2019 Tarquin received a Global Music Gold Award for his release “Orlando In Heaven” for “Best Album.” Three years in a row (2016-2019) Tarquin received “Best Album Of The Year” nominations from the Independent Music Awards for his releases “Guitars For Wounded Warriors,” “Orlando in Heaven” and “Guitars for Veterans.” On which, Tarquin shows his guitar prowess along side such world-class shredders as: Steve Morse, Larry Coryell, Mike Stern, Billy Sheehan, Gary Hoey, Bumblefoot (Guns N’ Roses), Reb Beach (Whitesnake), Hal Lindes (Dire Straits), Chris Poland (Megadeth) and Chuck Loeb (FourPlay). In 2006 SESAC honored him with the Network Television Performance Award. Tarquin has graced the Top Billboard Charts with such commercial releases as: “This is Acid Jazz, Vol. 2,” “Sweet Emotions,” and “Bossa Brava: Caliente” on Instinct Records, followed by several solo jazz albums, which charted Top 10 at Smooth Jazz Radio R&R and Gavin charts. Brian has appeared on 38 releases, selling over 140,000 records in his career.

 

Produced & engineered by Brian Tarquin

Recorded at Jungle Room Studios, Florida 2018-2019 entirely thru an analog Trident mixing console on a 24 track Ampex 1200 tape machine and a Otari Radar, mixed down to a Ampex 440c 1/4” tape machine.

Mastered by David Glasser & Geoff Gray at Airshow Mastering, Boulder, CO

Tracks:

1. Distant Light featuring Steve Morse & Hal Lindes

2. Lights of Las Vegas featuring Phil Naro & Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal

3. Demonic featuring Trey Gunn

4. Tomorrow's Another Day featuring Phil Naro

5. Vegas Blue

6. Evil In Men's Hearts featuring Tony Carey

7. Forgiveness featuring Phil Naro

8. Know Me featuring Phil Naro

9. Hallowed Ground featuring Trey Gunn

10. Run For Cover featuring Phil Naro, Randy Coven & The Flyin’ Ryan Bros

11. Distant Light (vocal) featuring Phil Naro, Steve Morse & Hal Lindes

 

Here's what the press has said about “Vegas Blue”:

“The material, guest stars and production is first rate. From start to finish the listener is transported to that fateful evening, yet uplifted through the power of these stellar performances.” - Eric Harabadian, Progression Magazine

“Tarquin writes with soul and fire and plays with passion and precision. Once again, he has enlisted a first-rate squad of guests performers, including Trey Gunn (King Crimson), Steve Morse (Deep Purple) and Bumblefoot (GN'R), who help bring these rich, vivid recordings to life.”- Mark Nardone, Music Connection

“…every note, phrase, tone color, and impact of pick and/or finger on string will send shivers down your spine.” - Guitar Player Magazine

 “…his passion for purity is more than evident – in both the music he makes and the way it’s recorded.” - Professional Sound Magazine

 

To order:

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/                       

iTunes: https://music.apple.com/us/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/

 

For more information:

BHP Music-Guitar Trax Records, LLC

www.gtrtrax.com

www.jungleroomstudios.com

www.briantarquin.com

https://guitartrax.bandcamp.

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Holiday songs 2025

Tom Ciurczak "Santa's Got a Brand New Bag" male vocals, similar timbre as Bruce Springsteen with horns, it's about Santa getting a new bag. The first few notes sound like James Brown's "Papa," but the song swings into theatrical rock. It mentions the children all over the world, way up in the sky.

"I Ruined Christmas This Year" 2025  Refestramus featuring Alina Golosova  slow pop rock with emo and goth undertones, vocals like Billie Eilish and Lana Delray, she wanted to do a good job on Christmas but "I ruined Christmas this year."

 

"I Ruined Christmas" (2024)   Contemporary art-rock band, female fronted-vocals like Miley Cyrus, bells, "I ruined Christmas this year...It's like I told you before, 'it won't happen again, my dear."  This is a list of things she's done to reindeer, family members, and the eggnog! 

 Rachael Sage Hanukkah in the Village

Dan Berggren "Never Take Love for Granted" 

 Cindy Hughlett & Stephen Mellilo  "Away in a Manger" Kate Bush tones with an orchestra behind her.

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New Vinyl from Tom Ciurczak, RED32, and Bruce Wojick and the Struggle

 

Vinyl Advisory

Three of my artists are celebrating releases of their albums on vinyl. They’re available to send the vinyl for media people that will cover them and/or play them on their radio shows, podcasts, and TV. They’re doing interviews. A 

 

Tom Ciurczak “YORICK”

Americana and Contemporary Classic Rocker Tom Ciurczak’s “YORICK” is made of180 G, translucent turquoise vinyl. 

Ciurczak studied songwriting, in part, from Americana artist Steve Earle at his Camp Copperhead, is also inspired by classic rock, Warren Zevon, Bruce Springsteen, the Who, Eagles, progressive rockers such as Gentle Giant.  

Listen to and watch the album’s title cut “Yorick” at www.youtube.com/watch?v=9K5dcdI1Z18 . Also, listen to “The Watcher,” which is about alien left behind on Earth.

Wrinkly Rockers Club nominated Ciurczak’s “The Watcher” as one of their 6 Sunday tracks of the week and wrote “a melodic blend of powerful storytelling, energetic rhythms and heartland Rock and Roll”

Order Tom’s music at tomciurczak.com/album/3419593/yorick  

https://tomciurczak.com

Bruce Wojick and the Struggle “The Hard Way”  

Bruce says, "’The Hard Way’ is the culmination of every lesson learned on stage, in the studio, and on the road, and made by musicians who've lived it. Each song was written on the same acoustic guitar my mom bought me as a kid which might tell you everything you need to know.  So, we keep writing, plowing through, and still in the Struggle.  

Finding airplay on Buffalo and British radio, listen to his interview with Jeff Collins at 29 minutes into the broadcast at https://hardrockhellradio.com/2025/11/21/the-rock-jukebox-with-jeff-collins-56/

Order “The Hard Way” at  www.segnorecords.com/bruce-wojick-the-struggle-vinyl

BruceWojick.com

 

RED32

RED32’s “Cryogenic Dreams” is out now on Red Vinyl. The group is the collaboration of  Steve Bonino (lyrics, bass, vocals), Tony Romero (Synth, spoken word), Robeone (keyboards, synthesizers), and the late Eric Confer (guitars). Jimmy Keegan guests on drums throughout “Cryogenic Dreams.”

Anna Carlini praises, “on what is more than just a follow up to the debut album—as it’s an exploration of how to creatively write and record music.”   

Listen to my interview with the group’s main lyricist Steve Bonino at https://youtu.be/_TXYFF6KHNc?si=yGKajTNaqM6sYfyW

 

Order “Cryogenic Dreams” at thebandwagonusa.com/collections/red32/products/red32-cryogenic-dreams-red-lp-new-release

stevebonino.com

houseofprog.com/tony-romero/

robeone.com

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Nov 7 Fri Groton Hill Music Center, Groton, MA

Nov 14 Fri Grand Theatre, Frankfort, KY

Nov 15 Sat Jasper Arts Center, Jasper, IN

Nov 21 Fri Come On In House Concerts, Fort Collins, CO

Nov 22 Sat Chautauqua Community House, Boulder, CO 

Nov 23 Sun Swallow Hill Music, Denver, CO