Originally published by L.S. Media. March 14th 2011.

If there is a young musician or group of disaffected teenagers currently playing their own music whilst holed up in garages and bedrooms of this fine musical city, if they are blinded by the injustice of the world and fear their voice is not being heard; then they need look no further than the inspiration of a band who knows all there is to know about the fine tradition of Liverpool and Merseyside protest music, The Trestles.

What Do You See is the brand new debut album by this likeable and musically knowledgeable band who has been honing their approach since they wowed audiences at last year’s Mathew Street Festival. Led by Alan O’ Hare on vocals on guitars it is easy to see where the man gets his own personal inspiration from to create the songs that can stir the passion of those seeking escape from unfairness and ingratitude.

Alan O’ Hare follows the fine tradition set before him by the likes of Ian Prowse and Ian McNabb and it’s that true Liverpool voice that shines through one of the finest debut albums by a Liverpool band in years.

What Do You See opens with the laid back but damning song of A Drink of Water and this call to arms follows through an album that stays true to its political ideology and writer’s thoughts with tracks such as Maggie’s Farm, where the bile of two generations is finally opened and examined, to the sweet and tinted Thirty and the wonderful instrumental track Ghosts of Redundancy, the lack of vocal not being overshadowed the message of the song of those without a voice.

Young bands, indeed the young of Liverpool, need to hear this album and realise no matter how long it may take, their voice will be heard if they believe and keep their convictions true enough.

Ian D. Hall