Head east out of Liverpool City Centre and you will come to a suburb called ‘Tuebrook’. The title of John Jenkins’ new album is partly inspired by this place, its artwork a two-up, two-down, red-brick home on one of its streets, familiar to anyone with a connection to this part of the North West. ItContinue reading “John Jenkins – Tuebrook”
Category Archives: Album Reviews
Demi Marriner – The Things We Didn’t Say
It is the things that Demi Marriner does say on her album ‘The Things We Didn’t Say’ that make it such a pleasure to listen to. Lots of lovely lyrics – whether single lines, paired rhymes or whole choruses – that wheedle their way into the ear. Wrapped in the broad genre of Americana, theyContinue reading “Demi Marriner – The Things We Didn’t Say”
Kezia Gill – Misfit
Even as the multifaceted nature of Kezia Gill’s music is revealed on her new album ‘Misfit’, there is no sense that the songs contained within it are at odds with each other. That doesn’t mean that it isn’t surprising but it is far from jarring. Different genres blend together nicely. Styles weave seamlessly in andContinue reading “Kezia Gill – Misfit”
Morganway – Back to Zero
Morganway are back with a second album that is as eclectic as their first. Still refusing to be defined by genre, ‘Back to Zero’ sees them blend Folk, Rock, Americana and Indie Pop effortlessly across nine tracks. Their ability to fuse so many different elements is second to none. It has become their signature style.Continue reading “Morganway – Back to Zero”
Ward Thomas – Music in the Madness
Ward Thomas are back with their signature sound and a familiar theme. ‘Music in the Madness’ is the fifth album from Catherine and Lizzy, and showcases the best of all that has gone before. The girls have really found their voice now, like flowers blossoming and blooming from the seeds of ‘From Where We Stand’Continue reading “Ward Thomas – Music in the Madness”
Vic Allen – Some Place I’d Rather Be
Vic Allen has been tantalising listeners with single releases over the last year or two. Now is the moment they come together on a debut album that promises much and delivers more. ‘Some Place I’d Rather Be’ is a title that perfectly summarises its theme. The final line of the final song proves an aptContinue reading “Vic Allen – Some Place I’d Rather Be”
Beth Nielsen Chapman – CrazyTown
It’s the sound of Beth Nielsen Chapman but not quite as we know it on her latest album ‘CrazyTown’. The acclaimed singer-songwriter has, in her own words, “let go more on this record than I ever have before”. The result sees a merry band of musicians accompanying her throughout, given the freedom to flesh outContinue reading “Beth Nielsen Chapman – CrazyTown”
Hollie Rogers – Criminal Heart
The full band sound on Hollie Rogers’ debut album, ‘Criminal Heart’, compliments well her style and delivery as a singer-songwriter. After hearing her live only as an acoustic act, it came as somewhat of a relief that the added layers of instrumentation on the record do not overpower the lyrics or vocal sentiment that makeContinue reading “Hollie Rogers – Criminal Heart”
Motel Sundown – If You Were Listening
There is no better description of the sound on Motel Sundown’s debut album than that of their own: “layered acoustics”. They sum up perfectly in two words the sumptuous blend of uncomplicated yet sophisticated that makes ‘If You Were Listening’ a rich easy listening experience. It is a delight to get lost in their mixContinue reading “Motel Sundown – If You Were Listening”
Elles Bailey – Shining in the Half Light
Elles Bailey’s latest album, ‘Shining in the Half Light’, has been forged in the fire of the last few years. It is a record that speaks to the experience and perspective of the independent musician over a particularly turbulent period. There are hints and nods to both Brexit and Covid without ever being explicit aboutContinue reading “Elles Bailey – Shining in the Half Light”
