King Of Thieves. Film Review.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

Cast: Michael Caine, Michael Gambon, Charlie Cox, Tom Courtenay, Jim Broadbent, Ray Winstone, Francesca Annis, Paul Whitehouse, Kellie Shirley, Martha Howe-Douglas, Ann Akin, Adam Leese, Claire Lichie.

There is no honour amongst thieves, however, there is always truth, infallibility and greed and it always makes for a great story to be retold, examined and pursued; regardless of whether it is steeped in fiction, or the absurdity of truth, the heist film is one of intricate plans and betrayal, and it is one in which King of Thieves is a good quality diamond in which to fall in love with.

King Of Thieves. Film Review. full post

(572 words, estimated 2:17 mins reading time)

The Predator. Film Review.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 7.5/10

Cast: Boyd Holbrook, Trevante Rhodes, Olivia Munn, Jacob Tremblay, Keegan-Michael Key, Sterling K. Brown, Thomas Jane, Alfie Allen, Augusto Aguilera, Jake Busey, Brian A. Prince, Yvonne Strahovski, Peter Shinkoda, Mike Dupond, Niall Matter, Javier Lacroix, Gabriel LabBelle, Nikolas Dukic, Garry Chalk.

Occasionally it is not what the film says at the time but what it can promise for the future which makes it an enjoyable feast to get your teeth into; admittedly cinema goers and film goers would prefer to see this happen on the first attempt, the climax of the film serenading those glued to their seats with a lullaby of further adventures to come, of the tale being even more dynamic, and in some cases, revealing more to the story and the character’s depth.

The Predator. Film Review. full post

(595 words, estimated 2:23 mins reading time)

The Peace You Bring.

 

I love it when you come to visit,

the days stretch before us

of open air and father-son memories,

and whilst we may never stir

and create plans that come to naught,

I know that for a while,

you were close to me

again, breathing in my words,

as I revelled in the quiet

you brought to my mind.

 

Ian D. Hall 2018

Permanent link to this post (67 words, estimated 16 secs reading time)

Neville & Sugary Staple, Rude Rebels. Album Review.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10

You are always warned to keep away from the first signs of infection, that the Doctor in all their professional wisdom would prescribe isolation, would suggest that the neighbourhood be cleansed, scrubbed down, let the rebellion in the body fight its own battle and wait it out, let the infection subside. In most cases though, the doctor is only hoping, for quite often the feeling of the infectious is dynamic, positive, it is the beautiful rude awakening and rebellious, it is to understand the surge of the dance that you might never have found inhabiting your body before.

Neville & Sugary Staple, Rude Rebels. Album Review. full post

(474 words, estimated 1:54 mins reading time)

Cedric Burnside, Benton County Relic. Album Review.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *

It is Hard To Stay Cool when the world abuses your right to tell your story, when all it wants is for the vast majority of the population to keep quiet, dutiful in its silence, and ready to face the criticism of the so called anointed few when you should speak up in defence of another human being, or be outspoken when Government deserves its reckoning. It is hard to stay cool and serene in such moments of anguish and pain, but then the music you create, the art you employ, can speak volumes and be a source of inspiration to others fighting the same silent battle.

Cedric Burnside, Benton County Relic. Album Review. full post

(437 words, 1 image, estimated 1:45 mins reading time)

Various Artists, I Feel Machine. Graphic Novel Review.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10

The future is a manner of all possibilities perhaps forgotten, the imaginations of some of the greatest minds in literature having spelled out utopia and dystopia in equal measure, the threat of alien incursion, of disease, of technology gone awry a finer spark on the human soul it seems than the chance of peace and harmony across the world and the Universe beyond. Utopia is a cradle in which boredom festers, the human mind finds ways to look upon this sanitised creation and knows that it is an unrealistic venture, better to try and create a space in the disarray and confusion, the one bright spot in a world of darkness; it is after all why films such as Blade Runner, The Terminator, 2001 A Space Odyssey and Alien sell more than the idea of overall tranquillity.

Various Artists, I Feel Machine. Graphic Novel Review. full post

(593 words, estimated 2:22 mins reading time)

In Silence.

 

In silence,

I let your words

filter past,

your contempt ricochets off walls,

causing tears and splits in the faded

wallpaper that has covered

up the decaying brick since

I first met you, silence;

I break the hush, and

now I see how you tried

to smother me.

 

Ian D. Hall 2018

Permanent link to this post (56 words, estimated 13 secs reading time)

Sari Schorr, Never Say Never. Album Review.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * * *

Whether we win or lose, regardless of failure, defeat, collapse at the final staggering hurdle or in our moment of glory we take to the microphone placed before us, the sweat beating off our brow, pouring with rampant pace off our chin and falling with grace to the floor beneath us, we should always urge caution to our brains and mouths lest they run away with excitement or bitter disappointment, to refrain from uttering words that may come to become more than a memory to us, Never Say Never.

Sari Schorr, Never Say Never. Album Review. full post

(457 words, 1 image, estimated 1:50 mins reading time)

Bad Touch, Shake A Leg. Album Review.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10

There is a presence of almost sacred conformation which comes across when the listener takes the albums of Bad Touch into consideration, for playing purposes or to argue over a well-earned drink in the local bar. A delicate nature which doesn’t hide from its basic drive, its origins documented, its inspiration a generous groove of wealth and the slog of the journey; this is how Bad Touch have created their own place in music, a position fought for, and won by determination of spirit and the ability to keep going, to take on every circumstance with the same smile, the same reason to get up in the morning and Shake A Leg.

Bad Touch, Shake A Leg. Album Review. full post

(444 words, 1 image, estimated 1:47 mins reading time)

Federal Charm, Passenger. Album Review.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10

A new chapter is always worth licking the fingers for in eager anticipation for, the feel of the new world as it opens up, flourishes, and takes root in your psyche, it is worth every second you have to wait for the plot to develop, for it to consume your own feelings in the story. You never disregard what went before, you don’t see the hero leave the stage, but you do commend the narrative turn, you realise that the players come and go, but that they are never a Passenger, they are just as important as the scene being set, and the tale being weaved.

Federal Charm, Passenger. Album Review. full post

(423 words, 1 image, estimated 1:42 mins reading time)