Category Archives: Music

Chris Tavener, Is He Joking? (Live). Album Review.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10

Is He Joking?, regardless of whether Chris Tavener is or isn’t, whether this musician who reminds so much of the great Billy Connolly in his appreciation of raising a smile, and does much to promote the beautiful sound of innocent laughter during a gig, has in him the temperament and class to withstand comparisons to such luminaries of the circuit is beyond a joke, it shouldn’t even be brought up, for in Chris Tavener, the only conclusion you should arguably reach, is that he is a genius.

Chris Tavener, Is He Joking? (Live). Album Review. full post

(382 words, estimated 1:32 mins reading time)

Big Boy Bloater & The Limits, Pills. Album Review.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10

The Blues for such a long time seemed to be destined for the scrapheap of musical history, at the very least it could have been seen as the last preserve of a fading generation, kept alive by its reputation and some of the more enlightened souls to whom had the genre’s best interests at heart. The slow burn out, the limit of fascination and fandom reached its zenith and was now on the verge of a spectacular collapse, one in which the Muse would have strained to give it C.P.R. but which would have seen its spirit depart with dignity, if not a new modern ear enjoying it.

Big Boy Bloater & The Limits, Pills. Album Review. full post

(395 words, estimated 1:35 mins reading time)

Soft Science, Maps. Album Review.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

A resonance in Time is always something to look out for, to capture it takes proficiency and passion, and even to touch upon it is a calling that few can master without finding themselves being driven down the cul-de-sac of bitter recriminations and self-doubt; we can all use the abundant instruments to make the way clear, hopefully we can all follow a guide, but so few of us can say with certainty that we have dedicated ourselves to studying all the Maps available and are ready to find the way forward, or even be prepared to admit that we are lost and need help.

Soft Science, Maps. Album Review. full post

(388 words, estimated 1:33 mins reading time)

Palm Ghosts, Architecture. Album Review.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

Music cannot exist in the soul unless it has a meaning, it must be a symbol, even a design to it that makes it stand out, that makes it impressive, no matter the form, no matter the immensity, if it has no plan, if it is written just for the sake of making a noise, creating a jumbled chaos that makes more of a statement about the artist, then there is surely no foundation, no Architecture in place that can make the blueprint that was poured over, worth a damn.

Palm Ghosts, Architecture. Album Review. full post

(401 words, estimated 1:36 mins reading time)

Ross Palmer, Last Swallow. E.P. Review.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

To disregard the softly spoken in favour of those that rattle like a tin can that is being pushed along by a light breeze down an empty street, is to commit a grievous act, an offence against the soul; it is an attitude that has lasted for as long as humanity has had the wherewithal to listen to supposedly wise men, those who shout loudest, perhaps fearing their ideas and pleasures won’t be heard. It is an position that does us no good, that makes all that we are capable of achieving being nothing more than a side-line, a final swig of the antiseptic before the realisation of what we have swallowed hits home.

Ross Palmer, Last Swallow. E.P. Review. full post

(378 words, estimated 1:31 mins reading time)

Poptone, Album Review.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

The past is a foreign country which often requires second thoughts on passing through. The urge to reconnect with that which was once all consuming, now should have signs strewn at intervals and a high voltage electric fence permanently switched on, an armed guard or two subtly pointing out to the unwary the issues to be found within. Yet for those that seek understanding of where the past has brought them too, the signal, the bell that tolls is more akin to that of the Poptone and it is one that rings out in symphony and pleasure.

Poptone, Album Review. full post

(410 words, estimated 1:38 mins reading time)

Almost Autumn, A Little More. Single Review.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

If only we had the strength of character in which offering A Little More wasn’t to be seen as being derogatory to ourselves, that others would not see it as almost as we were bragging, exposing some sort of potential to the light and then claiming that we are being flash, exhibitionist, the green-eyed monster of jealousy rearing its head and sniffing the air for the disgruntled and the unhappy and relishing in their words of supposed entitled shaming. If only we could laugh a little more, love with less burden upon our shoulders, see the world with more beauty…it would be worth the world.

Almost Autumn, A Little More. Single Review. full post

(347 words, estimated 1:23 mins reading time)

Ben Sures, Poema Poematis. Album Review.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10

You would expect nothing else but brilliance from a man who once metaphorically and lyrically had gone to Bolivia and whose humour is intelligent, well observed and keenly delivered across his music; a performer to whom popular doesn’t quite describe his appeal but one to whom the story is attention grabbing and an absolute pleasure to hear.

Ben Sures, Poema Poematis. Album Review. full post

(376 words, estimated 1:30 mins reading time)

Roger Daltrey, As Long As I Have You. Album Review.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

There is a very good reason why after more than 50 years at the top of the British Rock genre that Roger Daltrey can still command an audience, regardless of whether they are fans and devotees of The Who, or if they just find the sense of purpose that lives deeply in the heart of a man who has defined the longevity of the classic track, fascinating, intriguing.

Roger Daltrey, As Long As I Have You. Album Review. full post

(484 words, 1 image, estimated 1:56 mins reading time)

Brackenbury & Neilson, Crossings. Album Review.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10

Collaboration is the mutual handshake freely given, regardless of whether in the arts or in business, in politics or in the family, life is so much more illuminating when people come together in the spirit of alliance rather than distrust, of building walls and guarding borders. The only Crossing we should find ourselves wary of are the seas, oceans and rivers that lead us to this joint venture; but the reward of common ground and friendship is passion sought and the sweet path of flourishing relationships lit for all to see.

Brackenbury & Neilson, Crossings. Album Review. full post

(428 words, 1 image, estimated 1:43 mins reading time)