Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
There is a cheeky, admirable quality to Tiz Mcnamara that crowds just cannot but help enjoy as he performs on stage in front of them. Having suggested with a glint in his eye and with the voice of pleasurable mischief coming through Leaf’s microphone, that he had swam all the way from Dublin to open for Rosenblume’s E.P. launch, there was no chance that he was going to leave Leaf’s packed audience without a smile on their face and a song in their already packed hearts.
With a set of songs that suited the evening’s respectful enjoyment, the sound of cheer, much missed of late in the city that has somehow turned its back on the progressive nature of the live experience as it sticks to the pointless, almost degrading appeal of more and more student flats being built, Tiz Mcnamara gave his all and was thanked by all for his supreme efforts.
Even when packed out, Leaf can feel as if it is harbouring a lonely melancholic secret, no bad thing as it adds weight to introspection and proper enlightenment, as well as thrilling musical entertainment, yet on stage with what seems the entire population of Bootle staring back at you, that melancholy sinks back into a wooden chair and sighs with contentment when the right act makes its way past the steamed vapour of freshly brewed tea.
Tiz Mcnamara gave the audience the right balance of songs before such a big name entered the fray, this was the kind of warm up that not only allowed the headline act the dignity it deserves but was also just that little bit special in which to fall in love with.
Songs such as Steady as She Goes, Daisy, Changing and the heart-breaking caveat of April Fool all climbed over the top of imposed wall between performer and artist and smashed it down to reveal a soul who relished the moment that Time allowed. A big hearted performer with a lot to say, a lot to impart about his own time on the planet and a natural story-teller; if the entities that decree that the way to solve a city’s fortunes is to tear down its heart, then Tiz Mcnamara is the kind of performer to stick in the front line and allow him to have words with those that have no creative soul in them.
A splendid addition to the sound of Liverpool, a true melting pot of cohesive art!
Ian D. Hall