Originally published by L.S. Media. July 5th 2011.

Yorkshire born but most certainly Liverpool influenced Jo Bywater’s debut album, Cycle Grace Pulse Break may have been out for a short while now but it is an album of incredible maturity that deserves to be visited and enjoyed no matter how late or by what means you come to this very talented woman.

Liverpool has been blessed in recent years with the quality of recording artists that have either come here to study and stay and making their home in the city or by those that have been born and raised here, brought up on possibly the best and most diverse range of music to be associated with one area.

Jo Bywater joins a long list that includes Barry Briercliffe, The Trestles, Richard O’ Flynn and Hippys on the Hill to produce an album or play live to local critical acclaim and in Jo’s case it is refreshing to find a young female acoustic artist who stuns you as soon as you listen to the first note.

Jo’s lyrics and guitar playing come across as a mix of genuine heartfelt sorrow for which she gently informs and entertains you with and the sharp heavy boot of sincerity as she pounds away at your own vulnerability and preconceptions.

There are some really cracking tracks to listen to on the album including Ropeladder and the infectious Scratch the Surface, these tracks alone would be worth buying if on an E.P, the fact that its surrounded by a broad scope of good tracks makes it all the desirable as an album to own.

You can catch Jo Bywater over the summer at various venues in Liverpool, if her live show is as good as the album, then audiences are in for a great treat.

4 stars

Ian D. Hall