Stephen Langstaff at the o2 Academy. Photograph by Ian D. Hall

Originally published by L.S. Media. December 23rd 2011.

L.S. Media Rating ****

If there is anyone left in Liverpool that doubts the talent and ability of Stephen Langstaff then it would be easy to say they really have no idea of how good this man is, it would be even easier to show them why their misconception of Stephen is wrong and to take them to a gig and let them change their mind naturally.

There are few singer songwriters in Liverpool that can hold up a c.v as impressive. Supporting The Lightning Seeds and The Bangles for example is cause to be considered cool, to support Liverpool legends Space on the comeback gig is nothing short of superb.

Due to the nature and importance to Liverpool music on the night, there would have been many that would have baulked at the idea of opening for Space. There would have been some that would have refused flatly. However Stephen is made of much more harder musical stuff and in a set that was supposed to be seen as a curtain raiser for the main band, he simply blew the audience away and left one person standing near to this reviewer remarking, “I don’t do support acts, not the reason I go to gigs, but he’s b****y marvellous him.”

Stephen opened up a set with the superb Curious. That song set the standard for the night ahead and a set list to wish for which contained old favourites, a new track and one of the finest songs written by a Liverpool musician.

It’s rare to a see a musician standing on a large stage with no backing musicians that can dominate an area so much. To have that much confidence in your ability is a lesson that future musicians should take heed of. To be able to walk around the stage with that much guile and determination whilst performing quality songs such as Let’s See Your Armour, Unaware and Down the River is a sight that will gladden any musical heart.

Stephen made time for a new track in the form of You’re Really Something and the beautifully haunting Saw the Angels. Both songs were delivered with passion and grace.

I have had the distinct pleasure of seeing Stephen perform for the last four years and it’s with no shame I say that this young musician is one of the finest to catch live.

Ian D. Hall