Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 7.5/10

Music will always set you free. It is the key to the prison that many find that they have made themselves, that they have shrunk into without warning or cautionary forewarning; the key is to believe in what you write, that the music you find in your soul is enough to disturb the lock so you can walk free, head held high and with a finger or two raised in admonishment to those who never trusted your instincts.

For Lew Thomas the sentiment is apt, the music, the groove they have produced in their new album Walks, Talks & Fallouts is the notification that they truly believe, that their words have momentum and the Hero they talk of is staring them right in the eyes, the reflection of hard work, cunning chords and patience there standing before them.

Walks, Talks & Fallouts is energetic, fulsome, one that threatens the airwaves with a punch on the nose and the caress of care straight after, it feels assured, and with the huge growl wishing to erupt, one that turns the blood hotter with the promise of all that is too come.

For the musicians on board this tantalising prospect, Lew Thomas, Tom Mason and James Stone, the groove they have brought forth is enough to know that there is something very special brewing in the bones, the sinew is rippling, the mind turned on and the stomach aching for more. The individuality shows in the music, it takes you down a path where the signposts of others point one way but the strength of the band is such that they smile at the thought of beating a possible third path, one that could be fraught and dangerous but one in which their belief will surely hold firm.

In tracks such as First Kiss To The Last, Where We Belonged, Fake A Smile and Set You Free, the music is one of enormous possible glory and is a testament to a truth that belief will carry you beyond the common and regular.

Walks, Talks & Fallouts is a very cool album to warm the cold evenings, one that is habit forming.

Ian D. Hall