Katie Melua, Secret Symphony. Album Review.

Originally published by L.S. Media. March 7th 2012. (under the name of Laura Dentt-Steven)

L.S. Media Rating ****

There is no doubting the talent that lies at the heart of Katie Melua. A voice that makes champagne taste so much sweeter and puts to shame a lot of women that feel the need to just flaunt what little talent they have into taking part in the con of stardom that pervades yet another generation of women who think that the way to happiness is by taking part in reality programmes and snaring the latest celebrity footballer.

Katie Melua, Secret Symphony. Album Review. full post

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

Rise to Remain, Gig Review. o2 Academy, Liverpool.

Photograph by Ian D. Hall

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

L.S. Media Rating ****

Heavy Metal might not get the press coverage in Liverpool that is reserved for the excellent talent that gets covered and lauded over throughout the city but if any band that ventures west of Manchester gets as well received as Rise to Remain at the o2 Academy then not only will they have done well, they could consider themselves to have a future in the business.

Rise to Remain, Gig Review. o2 Academy, Liverpool. full post

(404 words, 1 image, estimated 1:37 mins reading time)

Lionel Richie, Tuskegee. Album Review.

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

L.S. Media Rating ****

Lionel Richie is one of the very best at what he does, if you want a ballad that moves people to tears then Lionel is your man, if you need a track that will get people up and out of their chairs and dancing, again Lionel is the artist you turn to. Even when he brings out, what is to all reasonable effects a greatest hits package with a twist, he still makes you feel a though as you have put on a warm, comfortable cardigan, the fire in your front room is enticing and homely and the news, for once is nothing but good.

Lionel Richie, Tuskegee. Album Review. full post

(360 words, 1 image, estimated 1:26 mins reading time)

Black Stone Cherry, Gig Review. o2 Academy, Liverpool.

Photograph by Ian D. Hall

Originally published by L.S. Media. March 16th 2012.

  • L.S. Media Rating *****

A great and astounding gig can sometimes be defined by what happens at its end rather than during the whole. If an audience as passionate as the people of Liverpool can be with some of their own home grown talent, can sing with great heart and outdo a Birmingham crowd, normally more adept at taking on the task given to them by one of the heavyweights of 21st Century Metal, then you know that Black Stone Cherry truly and utterly demolished any preconceptions that Liverpool doesn’t do the genre.

Black Stone Cherry, Gig Review. o2 Academy, Liverpool. full post

(465 words, 1 image, estimated 1:52 mins reading time)

Sound of Guns, Angels and Enemies. Album Review.

Originally published by L.S. Media. March 17th 2012

L.S. Media Rating ****

Following on from the Sound of Guns debut album What Came From Fire is the jaw dropping sequel, the outstanding and brilliantly produced Angels and Enemies.

The alternative rock musicians from Liverpool have scored a direct hit with this record which has the guts and power to make sure that the band not only put their personal stamp on the local music scene but also at a national level.

Sound of Guns, Angels and Enemies. Album Review. full post

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

Hue and Cry, Hot Wire. Album Review.

Originally published by L.S. Media. March 25th 2012.

L.S. Media Rating *****

If you want an album that will really get the toes tapping in time to the beat of a heart that is being governed by the sound of excellent music then in all honesty you really couldn’t go far wrong that to purchase and revel in Hot Wire, the new album by Hue and Cry.

Hue and Cry, Hot Wire. Album Review. full post

(403 words, 1 image, estimated 1:37 mins reading time)

Dara O’ Briain. Comedy Legend Returns To Liverpool Empire Theatre.

Originally published by L.S. Media. March 23rd 2012.

L.S. Media Rating *****

Before the curtain was raised even one inch on what became a night of high class comedy, the gentle and uplifting music of Neil Hannon’s Divine Comedy classic The Lost Art of Conversation filtered through the auditorium and to the awaiting, patient audience’s ears as they took their seats. If there is a song that fits perfectly the nature of comedy gig by Dara O’ Briain, then the man and his conversation surely is the one.

Dara O’ Briain. Comedy Legend Returns To Liverpool Empire Theatre. full post

(585 words, estimated 2:20 mins reading time)

The Games. Theatre Review. Unity Theatre, Liverpool.

Picture by John Garfield-Roberts

Originally published by L.S. Media March 23rd 2012.

L.S. Media Rating ****

Cast: Liam Tobin, Keddy Sutton, Mark Keemar Smith.

There are so few theatre companies that get the chance to put on a recently found classic by Aristophanes, lovingly restored with some academic attachments and a room of serious people nodding their heads and then talking about why Greek theatre is better than anything that’s written today.

The Games. Theatre Review. Unity Theatre, Liverpool. full post

(402 words, 1 image, estimated 1:36 mins reading time)

The Waterboys, Gig Review. Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.

Mike Scott at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. Picture by Ian D. Hall

Originally published by L.S. Media. March 25th 2012.

L.S. Media Rating *****

Not content with releasing arguably the best album of 2011, it seems that The Waterboys will do anything to prove that they will be considered as the best live act to visit Liverpool this year.

The Waterboys, Gig Review. Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. full post

(642 words, 1 image, estimated 2:34 mins reading time)

Karine Polwart, Traces. Album Review.

Originally published by L.S. Media. Augsut 14th 2012.

L.S. Media Rating *****

There are just some musicians who shouldn’t be allowed, by act of law if need be, to be away from the public eye for too long. Scotland’s Karine Polwart is one such singer songwriter whose absence makes the world a darker place to inhabit, even though her songs are crammed full of enough of subjects that though nefarious and sad are what give life meaning, no matter how sorrowful.

Karine Polwart, Traces. Album Review. full post

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