Curved Air

British Progressive Rock Band

Curved Air is a pioneering British progressive rock band formed in 1970. The group, known for its unique blend of classical, folk, and electronic soundscapes, was led by vocalist Sonja Kristina and featured violinist Darryl Way, guitarist Francis Monkman, bassist Rob Martin, and drummer Florian Pilkington-Miksa. They gained recognition for their theatrical live performances and were one of the first rock bands to feature a violin as a lead instrument. Curved Air released several albums throughout the early 1970s, with "Air Conditioning" being their debut in 1970. Their subsequent albums "Second Album" (1971) and "Phantasmagoria" (1972) further established their reputation in the progressive rock scene. The band underwent numerous lineup changes over the years and experienced several periods of hiatus and reformation. Despite these changes, Curved Air has maintained a dedicated fan base and continues to influence the genre with their innovative approach to music composition and performance.