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.

With a touch of the celtic that is a mainstay throughout the album and delivered masterly by Johnny’s wife and Amsterdam member Anna Jenkins on violin, the album delivers an upbeat/melancholy that strives to make the audience to really take note of what he has to say.

It is easy to see why Johnny may have chosen the title of the album with its allusions to fulfilled lengthy journeys but with the target still out of reach, the journey seems never really quite over. The album’s cover as well gives a subtle hint of what’s to come with its simplicity and yet striking image of a branch of a tree silhouetted by the sun setting for the day.

The songs on the album should appeal to everyone and with such a talented group of musicians playing on the ten tracks, it would be hard to single out any particular song that deserves praise over the others but the inspirational The Weight and Masterpiece will simply leave those that buy this record breathless.

A brilliant debut from the quiet man of Amsterdam and one that deserves to be considered as genuine and interesting piece of work.

Ian D. Hall