Johnny Barlow, The Fosse Way. Album Review.

Originally published by L.S. Media. August 27th 2010.

As one of the founding members of Liverpool’s favourite bands Amsterdam, Johnny Barlow has stepped out of the security of the group to lay down his emotions and thoughts on to his debut album The Fosse Way.

Johnny may have come across as a very quiet man within Amsterdam, leaving the talking to his friend and cousin Ian Prowse, but for anybody who has seen Amsterdam perform over the years, one of the things that have stood out is Johnny’s guitar playing, it has been an absolute joy to behold. It is with that in mind that The Fosse way is a truly remarkable piece of musicianship.

Johnny Barlow, The Fosse Way. Album Review. full post

(315 words, 1 image, estimated 1:16 mins reading time)

Ark, Bilston Robin. Gig Review.

 

Photograph by Ian D. Hall.

Originally published by L.S. Media. September 5th 2010.

The world of Progressive Rock has moved on someway over the last few years with only the bravest and best from the previous century retaining and moving on with their fan base.

Newer groups such as The Reasoning have taken the genre to new pastures where it is flourishing and attracting an audience unheard of back in the time when Ark decided to finally call it a day in 1995, however; when you have something to say and an audience keen on reliving some of the finest Prog to come out of the Midlands then it’s advisable to give those thoughts an airing and see what happens.

Ark, Bilston Robin. Gig Review. full post

(373 words, 1 image, estimated 1:30 mins reading time)

The Trestles, Gig Review. Zanzibar.

Originally published by L.S. Media. August 30th 2010.

The Mathew Street Festival is a time for the whole city of Liverpool and all those that visit it during the Bank Holiday Weekend to take in as much music as possible. For some it’s the chance to reminisce over their youth and watch the six main stages come alive with songs from a different time. These then will stay in the mind for another year and the rest of the weekend will largely be forgotten.

The Trestles, Gig Review. Zanzibar. full post

(459 words, estimated 1:50 mins reading time)

Ian Parker, Crosby Civic Hall. Gig Review.

Originally published by L.S. Media. September 2nd 2010.

When somebody of Ian Parker’s ability and stature comes to town, it would be foolish to miss whatever event he has planned. Whether it’s the full band experience or just him and a couple of friendly musicians in tow, you are guaranteed a night of sheer bliss, a definite moment of aural exquisiteness.

With a range of styles to his arsenal, including blues, Ian kicked off the hour and half set with Gates of Hell and the sensual Winding River to an audience that adored his effortless playing and general put upon Midlands humour and self deprecating appreciation.

Ian Parker, Crosby Civic Hall. Gig Review. full post

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

From The Rats, Mathew Street Festival 2010. Gig Review.

Originally published by L.S. Media. August 29th 2010.

L.S. Media Rating ****

For some the Mathew Street Festival means a chance to relive their youth and catch some cover acts that play extremely well and catch the spirit brilliantly of those bands that no longer tour or that are so popular, therefore so expensive, that the average person in the street cannot afford to attend any of the gigs they may arrange.

From The Rats, Mathew Street Festival 2010. Gig Review. full post

(604 words, 1 image, estimated 2:25 mins reading time)

Puressence, Gig Review, Stanley Theatre, University Of Liverpool.

Originally published by L.S. Media. October 8th 2011.

Puressence may come across as a typical Manchester band, full of self-assurance and a drive that would hark back to images of the “Madchester” scene of the 90’s but strip away the preconceptions, the Manchester look and what you are left with is band that on stage really know what they are doing, plenty of talent and a lead singer whose voice is that of real and exciting quality.

Puressence, Gig Review, Stanley Theatre, University Of Liverpool. full post

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

Peter Gabriel, New Blood. Album Review.

Originally published by L.S. Media. October 11th 2011.

L.S. Media Rating: ****

If you are going re-imagine your own songs and much loved tracks then do it with an abundance of style that will confuse the critics who were ready to reward any hard work with derision and scorn.

That’s exactly the result that Peter Gabriel has achieved with his latest look at music from his colourful andwide ranging past, the phenomenal New Blood. From the off, it has a dramatic new edge to it that will make you think of his music in a completely new way and with no qualms about his decision to use an orchestra to remake such classics as Red Rain, Digging in the Dirt and the ever popular Solsbury Hill.

Peter Gabriel, New Blood. Album Review. full post

(409 words, 1 image, estimated 1:38 mins reading time)

Chris DeBurgh, Gig Review. Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

Photograph by Ian D. Hall

Originally published by L.S. Media. October 10th 2011.

L.S. Media Rating ****

There can be no doubting Chris DeBurgh’s appeal and delight in performing to a crowd of fans, old and new alike, his amiable and very likeable character not only come across when he is talking to the audience about his life but also in the way he presents his music. Completely professional with just the right of Gaelic charm that has endeared him to audiences world-wide, even places where other artists’ would back away from playing, Chris DeBurgh makes sure that nobody is disappointed when they leave one of his sold out nights.

Chris DeBurgh, Gig Review. Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. full post

(417 words, 1 image, estimated 1:40 mins reading time)

Touchstone, The City Sleeps. Album Review.

Originally published by L.S. Media. October 12th 2012.

L.S. Media Rating ****

One of the new big two of Progressive Rock, Touchstone, makes a superb comeback with the stunning new album The City Sleeps. With the last album Live in the U.S.A. still very much in the minds of the band, this new offering carries on the outstanding work that the group have created and have been admired for by their peers and fans alike.

Touchstone, The City Sleeps. Album Review. full post

(370 words, 1 image, estimated 1:29 mins reading time)

Evanescence, Evanescence. Album Review.

Originally published by L.S. Media. October 16th 2011.

L.S.Media Rating: ***

There was only one way that Amy Lee could go after 2008’s The Open Door and that was to gather herself together, forget the past and strive to regain the delight in performing and making records that would match the ideal and superb debut album her band Evanescence achieved in what seems alife time ago.

Evanescence, Evanescence. Album Review. full post

(380 words, 1 image, estimated 1:31 mins reading time)