Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
A truth of joint expression is that the outcome must be observed and felt to be greater than if voiced alone; to fail to do so is not in keeping with the idea and dream of harmony, but it is often the case that the collapse of lofty ideal is not in the pursuit, but in the minds of those who are not privy to the vision offered, or they ignore the passion at play as the realm is sewn together.
The vision is sacred, after that it is the delivery which sees it accepted as a kind of gospel, an honour bound sacred oath that must be channelled into the hearts and imagination of all, where songs of innocence and experience are not just fantasy, but far-sighted corporeal beings that sing of the soul and the wings that beat in time.
It is in the stunning partnership of Samantha Shields and Daniel Ryan, the Liverpool pairing that makes up Visions of Albion, that really gets to grips with the dedication of persuasion that eases the troubled mind and gently lifts the mood, but also stirs the process of reasoning and reflection; a joined up approach of critical sanctity in how a duo is perceived, how folk and roots are more than just past times in which to indulge, they are vital to the creativity that comes from being part of a team.
The self-titled album sees Ms. Shields and Mr. Ryan play with the melancholic device in such a way that it haunts and resonates inside the mind but also connects with the sense of joy that one receives from embracing the spirituality within, not of a religious fervour, more earthy, more in tune with reality, and in the tracks Daily Life, You’re Not Alone, All That I Know, Old Time Blues, and the exceptional string version and reprise of All That I Know, Visions of Albion take the inevitable step out of being just known and loved in Liverpool, but hopefully admired beyond the Mersey shores.
Valiant and unflinching in their beliefs and musical stance, Visions of Albion strike an accord, with each other and with the listener, one that is full of praise and desire.
Visions of Albion’s self-titled E.P. will be available to purchase from Klee Music.
Ian D. Hall